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Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Arroyo aide denies deal with Estrada
MANILA -- Presidential chief of staff Norberto Gonzales described as "totally inaccurate" former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Singson's accusation that he was Malacaņang's emissary in the alleged conspiracy to let former president Joseph Estrada leave the country.
Gonzales said government did not make a deal with Estrada because the former president had been allowed by the Sandiganbayan to travel to Hong Kong for a knee surgery and that he just made the "technical arrangements."
He said Singson should not insult the Sandiganbayan by making accusations of conspiracy because the anti-graft court is an independent body.
Reason
He said he called up Estrada to look at the "technical requirements" of his trip such as how many will accompany him, when he will leave and return, and the plane that he would board.
"Trabaho ko yan e. Yung mga ganitong kailangang gawin ay ako ang gumagawa. Hindi na ako kailangang utusan diyan (That's my job. I need to do those things. I don't need to be told what to do)," he added.
He said he is not bothered by Singson's threat to withdraw support from President Arroyo.
"Ito ay desisyon ni Governor Singson. Sana naman ay kung gagawa siya ng ganyang aksiyon, huwag niya akong gagamiting excuse (That is the decision of Governor Singson. But if he makes true his threat, I hope he won't make me an excuse)," he added.
He said everyone has a right to take their case to the people as long as they do not resort to unlawful acts or disorderly behavior.
Corruption
Gonzales said no one could deny that there is graft and corruption in every administration, including the Arroyo government, but President Arroyo is trying to solve it as evidenced by the three-day Cabinet workshop on anti-corruption last week.
He said graft and corruption could not be blamed on one or two persons. (Sunnex Luzon)
(December 21, 2004 issue)
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