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October 6, 2003 Tuesday
Corruption charges involving First Family alarms workers
Workers demand fair and swift investigation on Mikey Arroyo
The militant labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) today hoped that the ongoing investigation on Pampanga Vice Governor and presidential son Mikey Arroyo for his alleged illegal purchase and importation of thoroughbred horses be executed fairly and swiftly by the office of the Ombudsman.
KMU Chairman Elmer Labog urged Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo to extract the full truth from Arroyo and other concerned officials of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and get to the bottom of the case.
“The acquisition of 17 imported racehorses worth more than P2 million each is not a simple case that should be dismissed by the Ombudsman especially if it involves a member of the First family. The least we expect from the fact-finding mission is a whitewash on this scandal involving the presidential son. This is not the first time that a member of the Arroyo family got implicated in
a controversial financial scam. Family background is important in investigating this case against Mikey.”
“The series of corruption cases involving the First Family is very alarming. With the Jose Pidal case slowing down in the Senate, we only want the whole truth on this issue concerning the President’s eldest son. We just hope Mikey will not invoke his right to privacy and cooperate with the Ombudsman’s Office in the investigation.”
Meanwhile, the labor leader vented his ire on the highly questionable purchase allegedly channeled by Arroyo to the PSC. “Why would PSC allow the disbursement of its valuable fund for expensive racehorses when our local national athletes have been constantly complaining about deficient allowances and material support from the government?”
Labog said that workers are strongly opposing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s bid for presidency in the 2004 elections because of the serious corruption charges involving First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, her immediate family and close political associates. “We will not allow a corrupt family to continue running our government and plunder the people’s hard earned tax money.”
On Thursday, October 9, the labor center will pursue with their protests to pressure the Senate to fast-track the investigation of the Jose Pidal account.