A complaint filed on Tuesday alleges former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo plundered an overseas workers' fund to boost her 2004 election campaign. ST PHOTO: WONG KWAI CHOW
MANILA - A COMPLAINT filed on Tuesday alleges former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo plundered an overseas workers' fund to boost her 2004 election campaign.
The complaint claims Arroyo ordered about 530 million pesos (S$15.2 million) diverted from the fund to pay for health cards with her image on them distributed during the campaign.
About 9 million Filipinos work abroad due to a lack of employment at home, and their contributions to the trust fund pay for repatriation during emergencies, medical care and other needs unique to overseas workers.
The complaint alleges their money was misused when part of the trust fund was allegedly diverted to pay for health cards, which are available to all Filipinos to pay for hospital care.
Mrs Arroyo has long denied wrongdoing but continues to be dogged by allegations of corruption and misrule in her nine-year presidency.
She stepped down last June and now serves in the House of Representatives. -- AP
