Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I rise today on a matter of personal and collective privilege.
More than half a century ago, our forefathers established the Third Philippine Republic from the ruins of the last Pacific war. A few years later, the nation was embroiled in various scandals involving graft and corruption. Right after the war, government officials were involved in the surplus war materials scandal. When then President Elpidio Quirino ordered the prosecution of the Chairman of the Surplus Commission, his Liberal Party stalwarts warned him, and out of the mouth of no less than a former President of the Senate, came the infamous words-“What are we in power for?”
It is now the 21st century. While those words are no longer spoken, a very powerful man – Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo a.k.a. Jose Pidal wields that power like no other. Even the integrity of institutions tasked to assist law enforcement agencies with scientific and expert analysis has not been spared. I will prove my point later, Mr. President.
Attack dogs have been unleashed – not to assail the contents of my privilege speech, but to shoot the messenger who happens to be this humble representation. Attack dogs keep coming and barking from different directions. For two weeks, they kept fooling the Filipino people. They continue to fool us all. Hindi raw makikialam ang Malakanyang, because the President is married to the country, pero dalawang cabinet secretaries, dalawang Presidential Security Group helicopters, at katakut-takot na sundalo ng PSG ang diumano’y sumundo kay Udong Mahusay sa Cavite. Tell that to the Marines, ika nga.
And to show his powerful arsenal of influence, two administration congressmen lied through their teeth and went to town about a $2M deposit that I am supposed to be keeping in some US banks. Again, and for the nth time, I pose this challenge – if the Honorable Raul Gonzales and Monico Puentebella can show verified and valid documents to support their allegation, I will not stay a minute longer in this hall. I will immediately resign as a Senator of this Republic. For your information, Mr. President, hindi pa po ako nakakita o nakahawak ng ganuong kalaking halaga sa tanang buhay ko.
Mr. President, my distinguished colleagues,
This is the time to welcome the truth, not to hide from it.
This is the time to tell the truth, not to distort it.
This is time to stand by the truth, not to sulk under it.
What we need is to work out a principle.
And that is – what is right must be kept right; what is wrong must be set right.
What is right must be told. What is wrong must be told even more.
In October of 2001 – when I was barely a 4-month-old Senator – I delivered a privilege speech entitled Gloria’s Department of the Underground. I then said that the Department of the Underground had no parallels in history. For its Secretary did not only share the President’s bed. He more than shared her power of government. He was Jose Miguel Tuason Arroyo. He still is.
I then described the Department of the Underground as the most inventive, creative, and innovative agency of grease, graft, and corruption. Its expertise was to broker crooked deals and win them. Its excellence was to assign cronies to positions of power and make money out of them. That was in 2001. My speech could touch only the tip of the racket of corruption. The issue, then, was that the presidential husband had gone overboard. He had abused his affinity with the President to milk agencies of government for his selfish interests and those of his ilk. He was never stopped. And he did not stop.
Mike Arroyo’s recent denial of my allegations has not set him free at all. He knows the truth but has become blind to it. Today, he is numb. A Senate investigation is now the order of the day. Mr. Arroyo must come and appear before the three committees – without condition, without hesitation.
In year 2000, then Senator, now Vice-President Teofisto Guingona delivered a privilege speech accusing President Estrada of graft and corruption. The Senate was his forum and then Vice-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Bunyes, both father and daughter knew it. Why they would now dare question my use of this forum, is beyond my understanding.
The Senate investigation will be on corruption. Perhaps, Mike Arroyo will tell us why government cannot curb corruption. He knows the pockets of corruption. He knows where his hands are.
Mr. Jose Pidal, Alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
Ikaw kasi, Jose Pidal.
Under the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo administration, the Philippines climbed to No.11 in the ranking of the world’s most corrupt governments. We were No. 55 before Gloria Macapagal Arroyo took over.
Ikaw kasi, Jose Pidal.
The epicenter of corruption is the hardworking laundry machines of Mr. Jose Miguel Arroyo and his crony recommendees who now run key revenue-generating government offices. What Jose Pidal et al. have amassed through corruption could have funded: 5,000 housing units or 3,500 new school rooms. Or enough to build hospitals for 10,000 patients. It could have constructed 100 kms. of cemented roads, or 1,000 kilometers of farm-to-market roads. It could have bought new sets of uniforms for 130,000 soldiers. That Mr. President is the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines. The amount that passed through Udong Mahusay’s faithful hands could have electrified 1,000 barangays.
Corruption at the top. Kurakot by example.
Fourteen days ago, I stood in this very spot with the questions:
Who is Jose Pidal? Who is Kelvin Tan? Who is Thomas Toh Jr.? Who is Victoria/Vicki Toh? “Siguro, guilty.”
The response: “Patay kang bata ka, Ping Lacson” as The Incredible Hulk of LTA undertook a massive disinformation campaign. In quick succession, his well-financed demolition crew, predictably, called me a murderer, an Oakwood rebellion financier, a liar, an abductor, a drug dealer… you name it, Lacson was it. The same tiresome recycled Lie. From the same lackeys. Cheap shots from the usual demolition and extortionist gang. Kumita na naman with unlimited funds and government resources to divert attention from “Who is Jose Pidal?
Sensing an opportunity to get more Malacanang concessions, the Gonzalez-Puentebella duet pedaled in and did their dumb and dumber act, to the applause of Jose Pidal.
But for every villain there are heroes. The country is thankful for persons like Acsa Ramirez, hailed by the people but vilified by NBI Director “Always Wrong” Wycoco for exposing anomalies in the government.
And, of course, Thank you, Udong Mahusay. We feel your pain. You served your ninong like a slave. You handled his money and private affairs discreetly. And then you find out he values a cellphone more than your reputation.
“Tratong alila”
Sa pagtalikod mo sa ‘yong ninong, bayan naman ang iyong pinagsilbihan.
Udong came begging for help. He brought documents to prove his story of corruption at LTA. We examined the documents – Bank account statements, Checks, Pictures, Diary, Letters. We looked for and found corroborating documents. Five well-known lawyers interviewed Udong Mahusay. They found him completely credible, with a story to tell and a name to protect. The lawyers asked him if he was sure about his facts. He said “Opo. Totoo po lahat yan”. He was made aware too that there will be no financial considerations involved. He wanted protective custody. We gave it to him. He wanted an additional cell phone. He got it. He signed his affidavit on July 21. On August 25, the country was ready to listen to Udong. He confirmed the existence of the bank accounts used for laundering money. He was not content in simply listing the bank accounts. He went on to describe his familiarity with the transactions of these accounts, and the relationships between the account owners. The relationship between Jose Miguel Arroyo and Jose Pidal.
Victoria Toh, Thomas Toh and Kelvin Tan. Udong pointed out that they all used 8th Floor, LTA Bldg. Perea St. as the common address. So impressive was his recollection of the handling of Mr. Mark Jimenez’s donation to the Lualhati Foundation that we finally understood what Mr. Jimenez was claiming all along. That P5 million of his P8 million was deposited in Jose Pidal’s bank account. Udong also revealed the answer to the $10 thousand question: “What does it take for Col. Corpus to be used?” Sa Toh-toh-o lang. The rest are matters best left private. These and many other significant, pertinent data can be found in Udong’s sworn affidavit.
Mr. Jose Pidal, alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
And now, the hilarious LTA building cover-up. On August 18, Patricia Bunye, spokesperson of Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo said: “Mr. Arroyo does not know Ms. Vicki Toh.” The next day, Atty Bunye said:” My mistake. Mr. Arroyo knows Ms. Vicki Toh pala.” Then she added: ” …the relationship is professional…nothing more.”
Lie: “Mr. Kelvin Tan is a successful businessman” according to the Toh family lawyer
Truth: He had a failed shoe repair business as stated in a letter from Indianapolis, Indiana in the United States addressed to someone in the 8th floor of the LTA building in Makati. The answer is in Vicki Toh’s letter: “His shoe hospital isn’t doing well and he’s thinking of selling the business” Truth: ” Maybe I would want to stay and we’ll open the laundromat”
Lie: “We saved Udong from his armed captors and four armed back-up and look-out men” Mike Defensor.
Truth: Udong was in the company of two unarmed civilians.
Lie: “I did not have any Malacanang back-up” – Mike Defensor
Truth: Two presidential helicopters and a convoy of PSG vehicles were used to “rescue” Udong from two unarmed civilians.
US Pres. Richard Nixon was indicted in the Watergate scandal because of his attempt to cover-up the truth. Obstruction of justice was the case against him. What Sec. Defensor and Malacanang did was clearly an obstruction of justice.
Lie: “Udong was held for two months and did not see his family,” – Jojo & Ferdinand Mahusay
Truth: From August 10-13, Udong, his wife & daughter were together at Alona Tropical Resort Hotel along the beach of Panglao Island in Bohol.
Lie: “I am actually Jose Pidal”, said Mr. Ignacio T. Arroyo, Jr.
Truth: TV interviews reveal Ignacio T. Arroyo, Jr. claims to be Jose Pidal.
Who is Ignacio T. Arroyo, Jr.?
Can he be the owner of the Jose Pidal account and its millions in deposits?
Media interviews reveal Ignacio T. Arroyo, Jr. claims to be Jose Pidal
Who is Ignacio T. Arroyo, Jr.?
Isn’t he the same fall guy who claimed ownership of these 2 buildings in downtown San Francisco exposed by media as being owned by Mr. & Mrs. Jose Miguel Arroyo?
But who is Ignacio T. Arroyo, Jr.?
Let us examine the financial capability of Ignacio T. Arroyo, Jr by looking at his income tax payments:
1996: P11,205.00
1997: P11,205.00
1998: P13,446.00
1999: P8,500.00
Are these the income tax payments of an extremely wealthy individual?
Mr. President, you may want to ask how many employees of the Senate pay less than the annual income tax payment of Ignacio T. Arroyo. But Mr. Jose Pidal has millions, nay multimillions in several bank accounts.
Lie: “The signature of Jose Miguel Arroyo is different from that of Jose Pidal”
(The comparison of Jose Miguel Arroyo’s and Jose Pidal’s signatures is shown in the Powerpoint Presentation) PNP Crime Laboratory Our original comparison. Our original comparison. For the PNP test, the “J” changed dramatically. Nag-practice sa ‘J’!
But observe the “s” & “e.” Buking si Pidal”. Kulang sa practice. Lumabas ang natural ni Pidal. A closer comparison. One more time. An even closer look. The PNP Findings. “Wow, Mali!”
The ‘J’ is similar but PNP focused on the dissimilar letters. Look at the signatures that the PNP compared.
This is like comparing “baka sa baboy”. The first is ‘Jose’. The second is ‘JM’ The PNP Findings. “Wow, Mali!”
Four of the alleged seven points of divergence originate from this obviously wrong comparison of small letters ‘ose’ and capital letter ‘M’. The PNP Findings. “Wow, Mali!”
The connecting strokes of letter ‘J’ naturally differ since ‘J’ is followed by different sets of letters. The loop will always show a variation, so this can’t be considered the three other alleged points of divergence.
ABS-CBN did an investigative report and discovered the unusual name, Pidal, in Jose Miguel Arroyo’s family tree.
GMA7 did a follow-up report and discovered that there is no record of any person named Jose Pidal in the Census office, BIR, SSS, DFA or SEC for the past 50 years.
Anybody who claims he is Jose Pidal is claiming to be a non-existent person.
GMA7 did an investigative report and made a startling discovery. Jose Miguel Arroyo and Vicki Toh are business partners! Mr.Jose Pidal, alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
Pacific Mint Corporation. Jose Miguel Arroyo Kelvin Tan Tomas T. Toh, Jr. Victoria T. Toh.
Pacific Mint Corporation. Did this corporation get any sweetheart deal from GMA’s government?
Golden Luck Trading & Realty Corp. No Jose Miguel Arroyo.
But look! Remember Rommel? The usual Tan & Toh & a new Tan.
“Messenger lang si Udong at taga-timpla lang ng kape” — Mahusay brothers “Si Udong!”
Golden Luck Trading & Realty Corp. Did this corporation get any sweetheart deal from GMA’s government?
Mr. & Mrs. Jose Miguel Arroyo a.k.a. Jose Pidal: Why did you not declare these corporations in your Statement of Assets and Liabilities? Oops, hidden wealth! 60,758 square meters of prime property in the heart of Quezon City. That is more than 6 hectares of land, enough land to build houses for more than 2,000 middle income Filipinos.
Mr. & Mrs. Jose Miguel Arroyo a.k.a. Jose Pidal: Why did you not declare these corporations in your Statement of Assets and Liabilities? Oops, a new discovery. Jose Pidal and Vicki Toh have joint bank accounts! Oops, a new discovery. Mr.Jose Pidal, “Alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?”
Mr. Jose Pidal, “Alam ba ni Mrs. Itoh?” Jose Pidal/Victoria Toh Joint Accounts Philam Savings Bank Acct.#001101-02084-2 Opened March, 2001 Balance as of June,2003 P 25,719,500.34
Another one! Mr. Jose Pidal, alam ba ni Mrs. Itoh? Jose Pidal/Victoria Toh Joint Accounts Union Bank of the Philippines Acct.#0073-001918-4 Balance as of July, 2003 P23,596,392.60
Funds from the Kelvin Tan account are laundered into the joint Pidal-Toh account. Union Bank of the Philippines Acct.#0073-001918-4 Balance as of July,2003 P 23,596,392.60
The Kelvin Tan Check. P8M paid to cash. It ended up with Jose Pidal account. Kelvin Tan pre-signed the check, using a different pen. Vicki Toh filled-in the blanks.
Compare the handwriting of the word “only” from Vicki Toh’s letter with word “only” on Kelvin Tan’s check.
Vicki Toh’s letter: “Just writing you a short note to say that I’ll be missing you. My “only” wish is that you’d take care of yourself. I can’t help worrying about you.”
A closer comparison. An even closer comparison.
The economy under GMA is booming … for Vicki Toh!
Banco De Oro Acct.#00218008731 Balance as of July,2003 P 19,531,000.00! Mr.Jose Pidal, Alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
The economy under GMA is booming .. for Vicki Toh na naman!
Banco Filipino Acct.#11043-000684-2 Balance as of July,2003 P16,290,075.54! Mr.Jose Pidal, Alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
The economy under GMA is booming … for Kelvin Tan!
Allied Banking Corporation Acct.#003461-00357-3 Balance as of July,2003 P9,625,300.00 ! Mr.Jose Pidal, Alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
The economy under GMA is booming … for Thomas Toh, Jr.!
Metro Bank and Trust Acct.# 007-431-00376-9 Balance as of July,2003 P 8,175,690.32! Mr.Jose Pidal, Alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
The economy under GMA is booming … for Jose Pidal!
BPI-Family Bank-Main cct.#6615-00497-7 Balance as of July,2003 25,344,913.35! Mr.Jose Pidal, Alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
The economy under GMA is booming …for Jose Pidal and his laundry machines!
7 more new bank accounts with P128 million more in deposits discovered. Mr.Jose Pidal, Alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
The economy under GMA is booming! In chapter 1, we reported the following accounts with these ending balances: Jose Pidal: P 36.6 Million Victoria Toh: P19.3 Million Thomas Toh Jr.: P 7.5 Million Kelvin Tan: P21.1 Million Lualhati Foundation: P 48.2 Million Mr.Jose Pidal, Alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
The economy under GMA is booming.
As of July 30, 2003 Jose Pidal and his laundry machines had 12 local bank accounts with more than P260M in recent deposits! Mr.Jose Pidal, Alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
The economy under GMA is booming …Even international transactions!
January,2003 2.8M remitted from Western Union Hong Kong to Jose Pidal Ref # 095003-641077-58 Mr.Jose Pidal, Alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
The economy under GMA is booming .. .Even international transactions!
May, 2003 2.6M from the International Commercial Bank of China, Hong Kong office Account of Ricardo Medrano Acct#56102-000494-2 Mr.Jose Pidal, Alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
The economy under GMA is booming …Even international transactions!
July 4,2003 1.8M from International Commercial Bank of China, again from Ricardo Medrano Acct#56102-000494-2 Mr.Jose Pidal, Alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
The economy under GMA is booming … Even international transactions!
July 21, 2003 2.5M from Western Union-Hong Kong Ref#095007-288003-16, account of Luis Abelino P. Corosco Mr.Jose Pidal, Alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
The economy under GMA is booming … Even international transactions!
January 21, 2003 2.75M from Bank of East Asia, Hong Kong Account # 00894003722-1 Mr.Jose Pidal, Alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
The economy under GMA is booming … Even international transactions!
May 12, 2003 3.3M from Bank of East Asia, Hong Kong Account #040641266-8, Mr. Romeo T. Yulo Mr.Jose Pidal, Alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
The economy under GMA is booming … Even international transactions!
June 24, 2003 2.8M from International Commercial Bank of Asia, Account of John U. Telimco Mr.Jose Pidal, Alam ba ni Mrs. itoh?
For millions of Filipinos, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office is their only hope for a jackpot in life. Last February 28, guess who got P1.350 Million from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes? (And he did not even have to buy a lotto ticket!) “Swerte toh.”
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office issued Land Bank Check #0061283, dated February 28, 2003 worth P1,350,000.00. It ended up in the account of Jose Pidal.
Ahh…Mr.Jose Pidal, tingin namin alam na ni Mrs. itoh! (PCSO, as everybody in this hall knows, is directly under the Office of the President) “Swerte toh” OK ka talaga, Jose Pidal! An agency established by law for charitable purposes, and directly under the Office of the President, issues a check that finds its way into the account of a fictitious person.
Bakit?!! Corruption at the top.
Kurakot by example.
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, how do we fight corruption? We can modernize the transactional systems in government, the bureaucratic procedures, so as to lessen the areas of discretion that give rise to occasions for graft. We can, and should, seriously go after crooks in government and their collaborators in the private sector.
And we should ensure their swift punishment under the rules of our criminal and administrative codes of law. But always, always, the first step begins in exposing the venal deeds of corruption. This is a responsibility not only of those like us who have been elected to public office. For in truth, exposing corruption is the responsibility of each and every Filipino. For corruption, since time immemorial, has pauperized the nation, causing massive poverty, and inflicting rot and decay in our entire body politic. This is the reason why this Senate, vested with oversight functions to monitor the implementation of laws passed by Congress, should look into how laws such as the Plunder Law, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and the Anti-Money Laundering Law, are being implemented by the executive branch as well as its instrumentalities.
Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, all the people want is the truth. The truth, Mr. President.
This representation, I assure you, will not stop exposing the truth. Sawang-sawa na ang bayan sa sobrang korupsyon! Sawang-sawa na ang Pilipino sa katiwalian! At ang kanilang sigaw – ilabas ang katotohanan!
*****