Ocampo: Rift in ruling coalition igniting bribery admissions

Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo said that Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr's statement against corruption within the Arroyo administration and the recent admission of many Lakas congressmen that they were given cash gifts are signs of a "brewing confrontation."

Reached by the ABS-cbnNews.com from Europe where he is attending a conference, Ocampo said that the brewing confrontation should be observed.

Ocampo said that the cash gifts given to local officials during the meeting at the Malacañang last week may also be perceived as Mrs. Arroyo's way of buying loyalty from those loyal to the House Speaker.

Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio and Bulacan Gov. Joselito Mendoza admitted that they were handed bags of P 500,000 during the meeting.

Another local official, Congressman Bienvinido Abante Jr. also admitted that he received a bag with the same amount.