Arroyo in bribery claims

Two provincial governors, including a respected Catholic priest, said yesterday they were given paper bags full of money at President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's palace, sparking bribery allegations as she faces a new impeachment bid.

Governors Ed Panlilio and Jonjon Mendoza told reporters they were given a bag each containing 500,000 pesos ($11,360) by an unidentified official after attending a governors' meeting presided over by Arroyo last Thursday.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer had reported that money changed hands after Arroyo met the governors at the Malacanang palace.

(China Daily 10/16/2007 page11)