Pro-Arroyo groups spending money for rallies - Remonde

A Malacañang executive admitted Monday that pro-Arroyo groups are spending "mobilization" money to bring supporters to its activities, including Monday's scheduled rally in Manila. But Presidential Management Staff (PMS) head Cerge Remonde quickly insisted the same was being done in the "opposite" camp for anti-Arroyo mobilizations. "In every mass movement may mobilization cost involved. Let us call a spade a spade. That is being done both sides," Remonde said in an interview on dzXL radio. He said he could only ask supporters of both sides to respect each other's views. Supporters and opponents of President Arroyo had scheduled several activities to mark the 22nd anniversary of the EDSA 1 revolt that ousted then-president Ferdinand Marcos. "(Let us) avoid hatred and do this in the name of love of country," Remonde said. When asked to comment on claims that the government is funding the pro-Arroyo groups, he did not answer directly but said, "May narinig ako na bayaran din sa kabila (We've heard news that the other side also pays people to attend its rallies)." - GMANews.TV