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Lacson: Mike Arroyo could face perjury raps


MANILA, Philippines – Senator Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday warned First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo against denying his involvement in alleged irregularities surrounding the World Bank-funded road projects in his deposition. Lacson, who first bared the World Bank report implicating Mr. Arroyo, said the First Gentleman could face perjury charges if documents would be presented to disprove his claims. "Kung magsa-submit siya ng deposition, puwede siyang maging subject ng charges ng perjury kung merong mga document na magdi-disprove nung sinasabi niya," the opposition lawmaker said. [“If he chose to submit a deposition, he can be a subject of perjury if there will be documents that will disprove his claims.”] The camp of Mr. Arroyo said he is likely to submit a deposition on Thursday's hearing by the Senate Economic Affairs Committee on the issue since he can not attend the probe due to health reasons. Mr. Arroyo on Tuesday broke his silence and denied that accusation in the World Bank report, saying it is only “hearsay.” Lacson said Mr. Arroyo’s denial were not surprising. "What do you expect? Of course he’ll deny the allegations,” he said. A Malacañang official, meanwhile, questioned the veracity of the World Bank report, saying they have learned from the Bank’s officials themselves that the investigation was based on the statements of the losing bidders in the projects. “What kind of investigation happened? When they (World Bank) investigated the issue, did they include the respondents?” said presidential deputy spokesman Anthony Golez. In a report over GMA News’ “24 Oras,” Golez said those accused in the report should have been given a chance to air their side over the accusations. Golez also said they haven’t read the report despite the fact that Finance Secretary Margarito Teves already has a copy of it. - GMANews.TV
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