Palace open to new ‘Jose Pidal’ probe

Press Undersecretary Abigail Valte INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Malacañang on Thursday said it would support the reopening of the Senate investigation into the “Jose Pidal” bank accounts following the reported discovery by Senator Panfilo Lacson of two other accounts containing P2 billion each and said to belong to former first gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo and his brother Negros Occidental Representative Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo who died last week.

“While we understand that it is a private time of grief for the Arroyo family, there are unfortunately two things that can never be buried—truth and accountability,” said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte.

Valte said that Lacson could initiate another investigation into the bank accounts he claimed were owned by Mike Arroyo using the name Jose Pidal.

The Senate investigation into the Jose Pidal accounts in 2003 did not prosper after Iggy Arroyo came forward to claim their ownership.

A few days ago, Lacson said he had discovered two other active bank accounts supposedly owned by the Arroyo brothers and containing P2 billion each.

In a press briefing, Valte said the Palace was ready to assist the Senate should it reopen the investigation.

“If and when we are called, our officials will provide what is required of them,” she said.

Iggy Arroyo died on January 26 in London where he was undergoing treatment for cirrhosis of the liver.