'Show proof,' says Palace on alleged 'jueteng' links

Posted 11:19am (Mla time) April 26, 2005
By Joel Francis Guinto
INQ7.net

MALACAÑANG has dared its accusers to prove that people close to top government officials have been receiving payoffs from the illegal numbers game “jueteng.”

“Somebody has to come forward and show proof. It's hard to engage in a debate based on a blind item,” Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye told radio station dwIZ.

Reports identified at least three, code-named by police as M1, M2, and JS7, as First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, his son, Pampanga Representative Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, and his brother, Negros Representative Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo.

On Monday, Bunye dismissed the allegations against members of the first family as “rumors.”

Lawmakers have called for a legislative inquiry into the alleged “jueteng” payola.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's predecessor, jailed ex-president Joseph Estrada, was ousted by a popular revolt on allegations he pocketed “jueteng” money.

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Ganun na ba corrupt itong bansa natin!!!!!!