MANILA, Philippines – It is now Nacionalista Party standard bearer Manny Villar’s turn to accuse his arch rival, Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, of handing the Speakership to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo if he will be succeed her.

Villar said Aquino’s lack of leadership, competence, and experience would make it difficult for him to control lawmakers and avert an Arroyo Speakership.

And contrary to allegations, Villar assured the people that if elected President, the NP would field its own candidate for Speaker to bar Arroyo’s bid.

The Aquino camp has been saying that an Arroyo Speakership would only happen under Villar’s leadership, alleging that the NP bet had forged a secret alliance with the President.

But Villar repeatedly denied this.

“Hindi ako nanghihingi [sa Palasyo] at wala akong balak tumanggap [I have not asked for anything from the Palace and I have no plans of receiving anything],” said Villar.

He said he was not an administration accomplice, pointing out that when he was chairman of the Senate committee on public order, he even spearheaded an investigation into the ‘jueteng” controversy allegedly involving Arroyo and some of her family members and political allies.

As Senate President, Villar said he also protected the chamber from illegal moves by Malacañang to interfere in the affairs of the chamber at the height of its corruption investigation.

“I’m proud of this. When I was the Senate President, the Senate enjoyed independence,” he added.