Senate panel findings a ‘charade’, says Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines – Former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo branded as a “charade” the findings of a Senate panel that he had conspired with several government officials allegedly to have his used helicopters sold as brand new to the Philippine National Police.

“This does not come as a shock – this has been their finding even before they started the ‘probe,’” Arroyo said in a text message sent through his lawyer, Inocencio Ferrer.

“The whole investigation had not been in aid of legislation but a charade to indict us without any solid piece of evidence,” he said.

Arroyo lamented that the Senate blue ribbon committee that investigated the controversy had already found him the owner of the used choppers based on a “mere say-so of one person whose testimony even contradicted with their other main witness.”

The committee, he said, made the findings even when all documentary evidence showed that he was not the owner of the used choppers.

“Senator Guingona said there is conspiracy in the deal but how can there be conspiracy when no testimony was made that I talked to the police or used undue advantage or influence for them to purchase the helicopters?” Arroyo said, referring to Senator Teofisto Guingona III, chairman of the committee.

“Clearly, this is a biased Senate where the law is trampled upon by their whim and prejudice. I am prepared to dispute the findings in the proper forum where the rules of evidence and fairness I am hoping will be observed and upheld,” Arroyo added.