Press Release
November 13, 2007

SENATE-PALACE SHOWDOWN INEVITABLE WARNS KIKO

"A clash with the Palace is inevitable" warned Senate Majority Leader and Independent Senator Kiko Pagilinan in the wake of the scheduled appearance tomorrow of Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio at the Blue Ribbon Committee's investigation on the distribution of cash gifts to congressmen and local government officials in Malacanang last October 11

"We intend to expose the source of the money amounting from P200,000 to P500,000 that was distributed to administration Congressmen and local government officials in a meeting with the President at the Palace. Knowing where the money came from is vital in this exercise because it obviously did not come from heaven, as the Palace apparently would like us to believe," Kiko said.

"Matapos ang makailang-ulit na pagtanggi ni Sec. Ronaldo Puno, bigla na lamang isusubo sa atin ang impormasyon ng Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi), ang mismong partido ng Pangulong Arroyo, na sa kanila raw galing ang perang ipinamudmod sa ilang opisyal mahigit tatlong linggo na ang nakalilipas. We cannot help but come to the conclusion that the motive behind their latest revelation is not exactly pure and for the truth. Nililito nila ang publiko, nililihis nila ang isyu. Pero sisiguruhin nating hindi sila magtatagumpay sa panlilinlang na ito." Kiko added.

Kiko had been calling on other local government officials and congressmen who received the money to make an accounting and "follow the example of Among Ed" since the latter exposed the alleged "payola" distribution in Malacanang. Until now, Palace officials still won't confirm nor deny that the money came from the President herself.

Kiko, meanwhile, commended Panlilio for his "courage to tell the truth and to expose corruption in government."

"Among Ed deserves the support of the public. He has stuck his necks out, stood on a matter of principle and stood for the truth even if the truth is dangerously unpopular."

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