Lagdameo declines JDV offer to turn over P500T 'bribe money'
Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo yesterday declined the offer of former House Speaker Jose De Venecia to turn-over to the archbishop the alleged P500,000 bribe money from Malacañang in exchange for his support of the weak impeachment complaint filed against the President last year.
"Decision on this matter on the part of the CBCP would need consultation from the Permanent Council. But considering the sources and intent of the money, which smacks of bribery, the CBCP will refuse to handle such amount as it is tainted with corruption," Lagdameo said in a statement.
But the prelate lauded De Venecia for revealing the alleged bribery.
"Since (De Venecia) may not be alone in this issue, I hope and pray that others too will have the same courage to expose similar conduct for the love of the country," said Lagdameo.
De Venecia had earlier confirmed that he, along with some other congressmen and local officials, was given the alleged bribe on Oct. 11, 2007, to support a "sham" impeachment complaint to protect the President from a stronger suit.
Iloilo Vice Governor Rolex Suplico, one of the petitioners in the latest impeachment complaint against the President, lauded the former House Speaker for revealing the alleged from Malacañang.
"I advice Speaker De Venecia to present the package to the public as soon as possible," Suplico said.
Suplico also challenged members of the House committee on justice who were present during the alleged handing out of money to congressmen in Malacañang to inhibit themselves from voting in the committee on justice or in plenary.
"They are voting in their own cases. They are trying themselves," said Suplico.
He said he is not surprised by De Venecia's revelation.
"President Arroyo bought 180 members of the House of Representatives on Oct. 11, 2007 (to) kill the weak Pulido impeachment complaint. What surprised me was the amount—P500,000. Mura pala ang mga congressmen. (congressmen are cheap)!" he said.