Defense, solons’ meeting a coincidence–Belmonte

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said it was merely a coincidence that defense lawyers and members of the House of Representatives were both present at a hotel in Pasay City Thursday noon.

Briefly speaking to reporters after greeting lead defense counsel
Serafin Cuevas and other members of the defense team, Belmonte dismissed as pure coincidence that members of the two parties showed up for lunch at the Sofitel.

Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza also showed up to meet with defense lawyers at the hotel.

Atienza will testify before the impeachment court on the expropriated Basa Guidote property.