Zuce gives documents to impeachment team

Senate jueteng witness Michaelangelo Zuce turned over to impeachment petitioners yesterday several documents that may be used to support the impeachment case against President Arroyo.

The witness was accompanied by his lawyer, former internal revenue commissioner Liwayway Vinzons-Chato. The documents were turned over to the opposition’s impeachment team led by San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora.

House Deputy Minority Leader Rolex Suplico said the pieces of evidence include the affidavit that Zuce had submitted to the Senate.

The documents are expected to strengthen the impeachment case filed by the opposition in the House of Representatives, which needs 79 signatures to send the complaint to the Senate for trial.

Among those who witnessed the turnover yesterday morning at the Makati Sports Club was Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, president of the United Opposition (Uno).

In the affidavit, Zuce claimed he saw former Lubao, Pampanga mayor Lilia Pineda, a close friend of the President, distribute money among regional directors of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the presence of Mrs. Arroyo during a meeting held at the Arroyo residence in La Vista, Quezon City before last year’s elections.

Suplico said he saw three other documents: a letter-application addressed to the President by then Comelec regional director Virgilio Garcillano for the position of commissioner, a recommendation for Garcillano’s appointment and an analysis by Garcillano on how elections could be won in Mindanao.

He said the letter-application, dated Nov. 11, 2003, contains a marginal note purportedly written by Political Liaison Officer Joey Rufino.

The note informs Mrs. Arroyo that "he (Garcillano) will be a great asset to you. He has a proven track record and can deliver."

The recommendation for the appointment of the controversial former commissioner came from Assistant Secretary Ahmed Bayam of Rufino’s office.

In a memo to Rufino dated Oct. 11, 2002, Bayam said then regional director Garcillano, who was based in Cagayan de Oro City, had been helpful and loyal to the ruling Lakas-NUCD and had expected "such a rewarding position" as Comelec commissioner.

Suplico said another document shows the President’s appointment of Garcillano to the position of Comelec commissioner.

The appointment is dated Feb. 7, 2004, three months before the May presidential election, he said.

"These pieces of evidence show that the President had intended to use Garcillano in rigging the elections to ensure her victory. It’s no wonder that in the ‘Hello, Garci’ tapes she discusses with Garcillano vote rigging to win by more than a million votes over the late FPJ (Fernando Jr.)," he said.

Uno earlier belied allegations that Zuce, who said he is willing to testify at an impeachment trial, was paid by the opposition to come forward and attack Mrs. Arroyo.

Others present at the so-called turnover were Reps. Satur Ocampo, Teddy Casiño, Teofisto Guingona, Roilo Golez, Rodolfo Plaza and Agapito Aquino.

Impeachment team lawyers Harry Roque, Nery Colminares and the Dean of Lyceum of the Philippines’ College of Law Pacifico Agabin were also there. — Jess Diaz, Michael Punongbayan