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LACSON: GONZALEZ’S IMPROPRIETY MUST STOP

Not only does justice secretary Raul Gonzalez embarrass the Philippines by blatantly violating Philippine election laws, he also thinks nothing of interfering with other governments’ internal affairs as well.

Re-electionist Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson warned the Arroyo Cabinet Tuesday that unless it stops Gonzalez from shooting his mouth off, Filipinos again risk being embarrassed before the international community.

“It is unfortunate that one of the country’s senior officials continues to be an embarrassment not only to our people but to our government as well. He not only blatantly violates our election laws but would think nothing of interfering in another government’s affairs,” Lacson said.

He was referring to Gonzalez’s claims that he would work for his “extradition” to the United States on charges of espionage. Lacson laughed off the claim, saying it only exposes how ignorant Gonzalez is of US law.

Lacson also noted that Gonzalez made the claim after he filed criminal charges against him Monday for offering village chiefs in Iloilo province P10,000 if they can deliver a 12-0 vote for the administration’s Team Unity party.

In filing the charges, Lacson noted that Gonzalez violated the principle that a public office is a public trust, and even defended his offer by saying he is not a candidate, anyway.

“Our people are getting very frustrated and disappointed to see the Arroyo Cabinet continuously tolerating his antics. Such acts of impropriety must stop,” Lacson said.

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