Palace: Budget support to judiciary not a bribe

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Wednesday denied that President Benigno Aquino III’s lobbying for the judiciary budget was a form of bribe for the Supreme Court to issue a favorable decision on the administration’s Disbursement Acceleration Program and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca).

“That’s not in any way suhol (bribe),” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in reaction to a lawmaker’s comment that Aquino’s move appeared to be a bribe.

Aquino on Tuesday vowed to swiftly provide budgetary support for the judiciary in order for it to carry out reforms.

The President made the statement during an event in Malacañang attended by Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

“So, what better way than just to mention that, you know, let’s help the judiciary,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda clarified that the budget department had already included the high court’s request for “P715 million e-government fund” in the supplemental budget even before Aquino made the statement.

The Supreme Court has yet to issue a decision on the controversial DAP and Edca.

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