Thursday, June 23, 2005 (Philippines)

President Arroyo waves an advertisement in yesterday’s issue of Sun.Star Cebu, in which local business leaders called for “sobriety and economic stability.” The President’s first stop was the Cebu ICT 2005 conference, held at the Waterfront Hotel ballroom. (Sun.star photo/Alex Badayos) While President Arroyo again thanked Cebu-anos for the vote margin that sent her back to Malacañang, one of her local allies asked Congress to play a tape that suggests not all of those votes may have been honestly obtained. “I campaigned for President Arroyo,” said Rep. Clavel Asas-Martinez (Cebu, 4th district). “Now, looking back, I wonder if I did right. But I’m still a member of the majority and I want the truth to come out.” Martinez’s offer to submit a tape—which allegedly reveals manipulation of the Cebuano vote—prompted other administration allies to call for adjournment of Day 2 of the House inquiry. Others tried to question the quorum. [full story]