Arroyo warns vs partisan intrigues amid noise over payoff, ZTE deal

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday urged the public to ignore speculations about her administration, which has been deflecting fresh allegations she might have a hand in the bribery scandal and the broadband deal controversy. Speaking before businessmen attending the 33rd Philippine Business Conference at the Manila Hotel, Mrs Arroyo said the political noise should be dealt with caution. “We want all sectors to do their bit to strengthen society’s moral fiber even as we call on everyone not to be swayed by half-truths and partisan intrigues," she said. Mrs Arroyo has been embroiled anew in a word war with her political foes since the October 11 alleged Palace payoff controversy that broke out at the height of the impeachment moves against her. The complaint to remove her as president was triggered by the alleged bribe-tainted and overpriced $329. 4-million National Broadband Network contract with China’s Zhong Xiao Telecommunications Equipment Corp. Mrs Arroyo also thanked the 18 Catholic bishops of Mindanao and the 12 bishops from northern Luzon for staying away from the three bishops in Metro Manila who called for her resignation. “I thank the Catholic Bishops of Mindanao as well as the 12 bishops from the North for being the voice of reason in these times when several groups are trying to obfuscate controversial issues," she said. The 12 Catholic bishops from Northern Luzon, led by Tuguegarao Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan, had shunned the Arroyo resign call, which they said is a political matter. However, Talamayan said they support the idea of having the matter investigated. - GMANews.TV