MANILA, Philippines?Court of Appeals Justice Jose Sabio Jr. Thursday denied businessman Francis de Borja?s allegations that he had asked for money in connection with the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) case.

?I vehemently deny that he ever asked me what it [would] take to inhibit [myself] from the case, nor gave any reply in a manner that he stated in the affidavit. I never asked for money,? Sabio said in a statement.

The justice said De Borja had informed him that Meralco chair Manolo Lopez was ?in the know? regarding the P10-million bribe offer.

?He told me that he was sent by Manolo Lopez who was with him in the car because it was a matter of life and death for them. And so they wanted the case to be ensured,? Sabio said.

He added that De Borja mentioned the abuses that the Lopezes suffered during the Marcos dictatorship, which De Borja claimed were being repeated by the Arroyo administration.

?And so he pleaded for me to accept what he called a win-win situation of P10 million,? he disclosed.

He also accused De Borja, whom he earlier alleged to have offered him P10 million to inhibit himself from the case, of twisting his words.

?As initial reaction to the affidavit of Francis de Borja, I find it not only ridiculous but also incredible. He has absolutely twisted the facts to suit a wicked end,? Sabio said.

Sabio branded the allegations against him as part of a smear campaign, saying that Meralco money and resources were being used to discredit him.

He said he would hold a press conference on Friday at the Court of Appeals to reveal everything that had happened between him and De Borja. Leila B. Salaverria