PNoy's sister Ballsy in extortion?

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Friday dismissed reports that presidential sister Ballsy Aquino and husband Eldon Cruz are extorting money from a company in exchange for government contracts.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte denied the allegation, which has already reached President Benigno Aquino III.

“One, everybody knows that the presidential sisters are very far removed from the affairs of government. Napaka-murky ho ng storya at halata naman pong talagang ito’y conjecture or gawa-gawa lamang," said Valte.

The Palace official said the allegation started as a mere blind item in the media.

"Hindi sa pinagkibit-balikat [ni Presidente] pero... at this point, it does not even merit a response given the obscurity of the details that are supposedly part of the story," Valte said.

Reports said the group of Aquino-Cruz was allegedly involved in an extort attempt against a Czech company that is supposedly among the bidders for the new coaches of the Metro Rail Transit.