MANILA, Philippines – A Senate committee has recommended a new corruption complaint be filed against the Philippines’ ex-president over the alleged plunder of lottery funds.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Wednesday the new complaint shows Congress can be a potent weapon against corruption. The Senate Blue Ribbon committee recommends a complaint be filed against former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and a former official of the government lottery agency.
It alleges Arroyo approved releasing $7 million (325 million pesos) from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The various expenses paid from 2008 to 2010 were not covered by detailed receipts, sparking suspicions of funds misuse. Arroyo is already detained for vote-rigging charges and has denied any wrongdoing.