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Friday, September 23, 2005
Arroyo aide slams Senate for shaming security adviser
MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's spokesman on Thursday criticized senators for humiliating her national security adviser and urged them to immediately withdraw an order that he be detained for contempt.
Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales did not deserve the "abusive and unparliamentary" language fired at him during a Senate committee hearing Wednesday into a controversial government deal with a US lobby firm.
Under intense grilling, Gonzales failed to clearly answer whether he received specific authority from Arroyo to sign the contract, and was ordered detained for contempt.
"We are co-equal and separate branches in a republican system," Bunye said in a statement. "We expect civility, comity and respect for each other's rights."
Citing the separation of powers, Bunye asked, "that the Senate reconsider its decision and to immediately release him."
Gonzales remained under guard in hospital for a second day Thursday after complaining of fatigue brought on by an unspecified ailment. He will be detained in the Senate building on his release from hospital.
Arroyo ordered the deal rescinded over the weekend because of the controversy surrounding it.
Under the deal, the company agreed to help the Philippine government secure US official funding for a number of projects, including Arroyo's plan to amend the Constitution. The firm was to be paid US$75,000 a month by private donors starting in July, Gonzales said.
Opposition Senator Panfilo Lacson said Gonzales may have been trying to protect Arroyo in the event that lawmakers proved the deal was illegal.
The incident came at a politically sensitive time in the Philippines, after Arroyo escaped impeachment on vote-rigging allegations and coup rumors escalating in the last three months. (AP)
(September 23, 2005 issue)
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