Senate panel releases from detention Arroyo firm ex-bookkeeper

The Senate blue ribbon committee on Thursday released from detention Rowena Del Rosario, the former bookkeeper of the Arroyo-owned firm LTA Inc. which is embroiled in the so called "PNP (Philippine National Police) choppers mess." Del Rosario was detailed after being cited in contempt for allegedly covering up for former First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike" Arroyo and his brother Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio “Iggy" Arroyo. "You are free to go on the condiiton that when we call you for future hearings you will attend," said Senate blue ribbon chairman Sen. Teofisto Guingona III before the end of the panel's investigation on the Philippine National Police's choppers controversy. The panel issued the order after Senators Francis Escudero and Panfilo Lacson moved to lift the arrest order against her. "Ms. Del Rosario has written the commttee the chair is personally inclined to grant her request," said Guingona. Cited in contempt On Monday, the Senate blue ribbon committee cited former Del Rosario in contempt and ordered her arrest for supposedly being evasive in her answers and allegedly covering up for the Arroyo brothers. Several witnesses had testified that Mike was the owner of two of the three choppers bought by the PNP as brand new in 2009. He has denied the allegation. On the other hand, Iggy defended his brother Mike Arroyo, saying he had evidence - a supposed lease agreement between their firm LTA and Lionair - that would clear his brother's name. Several witnesses, however, have testified against the veracity of the document. - VVP, GMA News