2 witnesses claim fraud in 2004 polls

MANILA, Philippines – Two witnesses appeared in the Senate on Tuesday to confirm their participation in the alleged massive cheating in the 2004 elections.

Former Judge Casan-Ali Limbona and Professor Maulawi Calimba both confirmed that they were contacted by former Shariah Circuit Court Judge Nagamura Moner supposedly to help former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo win in that election.

Moner claimed he gave Limbona P50,000 to contact former Maguindanao election supervisor Lintang Bedol.

Limbona , who was present in the hearing, confirmed Moner’s statement except about the P50,000 payment he got. He said the money was a reimbursement for his expenses.

Limbona also confirmed that he and former Maguindanao election supervisor Lintang Bedol agreed in principle to pay P5 for every lead that was given to Arroyo in the counting and when Bedol complied, Moner informed him that his handler, whom he identified as former Philippine Ports Authority general managerAlfonso Cusi, would not pay the agreed amount.

Calimba, who also testified in the hearing, confirmed that he helped distribute money to 17 election officers and two others before the elections.

“I called up Moner to come without knowing his intention because I haven’t seen him for three years …Then I was surprised when he came and also distributing money,” he told the committees.

“I was there sitting down, assisting and as instant Santa Clause, who would refuse your honor?” Calimba added.

“But you were surprised and yet you did it although you were surprised?” asked Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, who was presiding over the hearing.

“Yes your honor,” said Calimba.