“It’s unfortunate that my best friend, kumpareng buo, and I have totally contradicting statements,” Tiangco said in a statement yesterday. “But in order to protect my integrity and test the truthfulness of his statement, I must request him to swear to it under oath.”
The two belong to the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino party of Ejercito’s father, former President Joseph Estrada.
Tiangco has told the impeachment court that the release of the House members’ pork barrel allocations was used to force them into signing the impeachment complaint. House leaders have denied his claim.
In a television interview on Wednesday, Ejercito said the impeachment process against Corona was “rushed,” but that no coercion or threat was employed by House leaders.
“Hindi sapilitan at walang pananakot (It wasn’t forced and there was no threat),” he said.
In a text message to The STAR yesterday, Ejercito said he told the interviewer that the impeachment process “was really rushed, but I defended the Speaker by saying he told us to sign (the complaint) only if we believe in it.”
Tiangco did not sign the impeachment complaint. Two others who refused to affix their signatures, Reps. Jesus Crispin Remulla of Cavite and Hermilando Mandanas of Batangas, said Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. had told the lawmakers that they were free to sign or not sign the complaint against Corona.
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