Aquino sisters gave to Akbayan in 2010 polls and it's OK - Malacanang

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InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines - Malacanang sees nothing wrong with the campaign contribution of President Benigno Aquino III 's three sisters to Akbayan party-list group during the 2010 polls.

"The sisters continue to be private citizens, and they can contribute to groups which they feel would support the President's reform and anti-corruption programs," presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing on Thursday.

Militant groups have questioned Akbayan's party-list status, saying the sheer number of Akbayan members in government debunks its claim that it still represents marginalized sectors.

Based on the statement of election contributions and expenditures filed by Akbayan, it received P112.183 million for the 2010 elections.

Of the amount, P14 million came from Aquino's three sisters: Kris Aquino-Yap was listed to be its biggest contributor, who gave P10 million. Ballsy Aquino Cruz and Viel Aquino-Dee gave P2 million each.

Affiliate member-organizations contributed to less than 5 percent of the total contributions at P5,250,000 while P106,933,000 came from individuals.

National Anti-Poverty Commission chief Jose Rocamora contributed P1 million while Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello gave P1.4 million.

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