Mike Arroyo ‘indignant’ over World Bank report

MANILA, Philippines - First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo on Tuesday said he was “indignant” over the World Bank report linking him to the alleged bribery and collusion in the Bank's road projects in the country. In a chance interview by GMA News’ Joseph Morong at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City, Mr. Arroyo described the accusations against him as “hearsay.” “Naiinis ako. I feel indignant because those things are not true. They are only dragging my name,” he said in the exclusive report aired over GMA Network’s primetime news program “24 Oras.” This was the first time the First Gentleman had spoken after his name – along with several former government officials – was dragged into the controversy. In the interview, Mr. Arroyo denied participation in any collusive acts in connection with the World Bank-funded road projects. “Of course it’s not true. Hearsay lang ‘yan [That’s only hearsay],” he said. The World Bank report cited testimonies of witnesses saying that Mr. Arroyo and other government officials had to be bribed by contractors before they could participate in road projects. A witness also told WB probers that Eduardo de Luna, owner of blacklisted firm EC de Luna Construction Corp., enjoyed the backing of Mr. Arroyo. Mr. Arroyo admitted knowing De Luna, but said he had not entered into any agreement with him, the television report said. The Senate Committee on Economic Affairs under Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago has invited Mr. Arroyo to attend its hearing on the issue on Thursday, but the First Gentleman said his attendance would depend on his doctors. Mr. Arroyo, who hurdled a delicate open-heart surgery in April 2007, was in St. Luke’s Tuesday for his regular check-up. His doctor, Antonio Sabilo, said they are unlikely to allow Mr. Arroyo to attend Thursday’s Senate inquiry. “We’re still preparing our final evaluation regarding his (Mr. Arroyo) clinical condition. But I’ve a feeling we can’t allow him (to attend the hearing),” Sabilo said in an interview also aired on “24 Oras.” - GMANews.TV