P8-M donation aboveboard — Mike Arroyo

First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo maintained yesterday that the P8 million — not P18 million as reported earlier — donated by Manila Rep. Mark Jimenez to a foundation identified with President Arroyo was "aboveboard."

At the same time, Mr. Arroyo clarified that he and his wife had nothing to do with the Lualhati Foundation or Ginintuan at Makabayang Alay (GMA) Foundation which received the funds as alleged by Bulacan Rep. Wilfrido Villarama in a privileged speech the other day.

Mr. Arroyo pointed out that under the law, donations to organizations involved in charity undertakings are tax deductible.

He also hit back at Villarama, a former chief of staff of Mrs. Arroyo when she was still vice president and concurrent social welfare secretary, saying the lawmaker was merely trying to muddle the issues to save Jimenez who was facing extradition proceedings as initiated by the United States government.

"Perhaps, Congressman Villarama was merely trying to help his embattled friend who is in trouble now," the First Gentleman said. – Marichu Villanueva, Sammy Santos, Rey Arquiza