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Tuesday, May 04, 2004
Palace paid Aunor for 'socio-civic projects'
MANILA -- Malacaņang on Monday admitted issuing a check to Nora Aunor for joining the administration's outreach and advocacy programs for the poor.
However, Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye clarified that the check issued to Aunor Sept. 4 last year was for P620,000 and not P6.2 million, as alleged by the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP).
The KNP showed photocopies of documents proving its allegations.
One of the documents is a copy of a disbursement voucher from the Office of the President dated March 4. It had the name Nora C. Villamayor, Aunor's name in real life, and the amount of 6.2 million pesos.
The signatures of Finance Dir. Leonila Sioson and Sr. Deputy Executive Sec. Waldo Flores appeared on the check.
But Bunye said the check presented by the KNP to the media was "doctored."
In a TV interview Monday, Aunor also said the check presented by KNP was fake. She challenged the opposition to release the original copy of the check.
Aunor said she only received P620,000 and not P6.2 million, which she received September last year.
"Hindi ako tumatangap ng ganong kalaking halaga. P6.2 million, Diyos ko naman! Kahit na siguro, hindi matatanggap ng puso ko, kahit na bigyan ako non," she said.
She added that she had always believed in Arroyo, which is why she has been supporting her and have even appeared in some of her sorties and government project launchings.
'Blatant forgery'
Bunye said the KNP check is "a blatant forgery and a statement of real despair among the detractors of President Arroyo."
But Bunye said the P620,000 was a reasonable amount paid for the professional services of Aunor for promoting the government's pro-poor programs.
"We appeal for truth and sobriety, responsibility and prudence. It is public disservice of the highest order for anybody to speak of clean elections while engaging in this kind of mudslinging," he added.
Michael Defensor, presidential campaign spokesman, said their records are open for public scrutiny.
"There was a check but not 6.2 million pesos, it was just 620,000 pesos and that was part of her (Aunor) help to the social civic projects and outreach program of the President," Defensor said.
He added that the check was paid for Aunor's consultancy services last year.
Defensor said the transaction with Aunor was "above board," he said.
He also denied the alleged P35 million-package paid to Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda to campaign for the President. He said no million was paid to actors to join their campaign.
The KNP, meanwhile, is challenging Arroyo to explain the matter, and asked the Commission on Election to investigate the matter. They also called on Malacaņang to release the original copies.
The opposition has long accused Arroyo of using public funds to finance her political campaigns.
Arroyo's campaign
Meanwhile, Arroyo's campaigns would continue despite existing threats, according to Defensor.
The campaigns, however, would be limited to the Luzon area.
He added that it is still safe to attend the sorties and events graced by Arroyo, and that the Presidential Security Group (PSG) has augmented its forces following threats of terrorism and against Arroyo's life.
Col. Delfin Bangit, PSG commander, said the recent arrests of suspected Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) members in Cotabato City, suspected Abu Sayyaf members in Quezon City and recovery of explosives in Nueva Ecija, in Manila "triggered the security concerns."
He added, however, that he is not sure which particular terror group is after the President.
The Palace dismissed notions that Sen. Gregorio Honasan may have something to do with the threats against the President. Honasan, who signed a unity pact with the administration, was tagged in the failed Oakwood mutiny of 2003.
The PNP, AFP, and even private security agencies have put in place security measures, especially in Metro Manila, to ensure public safety and avert terror attacks. JMR/JPM/Sunnex
(May 4, 2004 issue)
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