Arroyo's opponents call for inquiry

Manila: President Gloria Arroyo's opponents have called for an inquiry into her role in the growing corruption scandal on Sunday, after she publicly admitted that she allowed the finalisation of a major telecommunications contract despite being warned of irregularities in the agreement.

On Saturday, Arroyo admitted that she was warned about possible corruption in the deal with Chinese telecommunications company ZTE Corp. but said her government could not immediately back off from signing a contract.

Five months after flying to China to witness the solidification of the contract, Arroyo ordered officials to drop it after a losing bidder testified in the Senate that her husband and the then-elections chief had threatened to make him abandon his bid for the national broadband project.

Both men have denied any wrongdoing.

Arroyo's opponents say her statement and decision to dismiss the project prove it had certain irregularities.

In a nationally broadcasted speech, Arroyo said that her government needed time to properly inform the Chinese government before deciding to end the ZTE contract. She also appointed two Cabinet members to initiate the investigation of any alleged bribery attempts.

Opposition Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said he would urge Senate committees investigating the case to examine Arroyo's statement and assess whether any violation of anti-graft laws occurred.

Another opposition Senator wanted an investigation into whether Arroyo and other Cabinet members had committed perjury.