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'Hello, Garci' Timeline


June 6, 2005 Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye holds a press conference, plays two compact disc recordings, says that both contain the voice of the President but one was doctored. June 8, 2005 Suspended lawyer Allan Paguia says he was the source of the recordings. Paguia intended his distribution to be on an installment basis to keep the Palace in the dark. June 10, 2005 On June 10, whistleblower Samuel Ong, a former deputy director of the country's National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced in a public press conference in Manila that he was the source of a set of audio tapes in circulation for the past week around the country. The master tape is allegedly of a wiretapped conversation between President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Virgilio Garcillano. Ong currently holds, as he claims, one out of four known master tapes that may incriminate Mrs Arroyo. He says that he did not tape Mrs Arroyo's conversation himself; the evidence was just entrusted to him by another source. June 11, 2005 On June 11, Ong resided in the San Carlos Seminary in Guadalupe, Makati. Sympathizers in the area vowed to prevent his arrest and/or death. Later, the Office of the President formally denied the accusations to the public, although Mrs Arroyo's spokesman, Ignacio Bunye, had earlier acknowledged that it was Mrs Arroyo's voice in the Ong tape. Mass protests grew around the country, by the thousands. June 12, 2005 On June 12, the country celebrated independence day. Philippine police tighten security around the seminary. Protesters who held vigil in the seminary, and in other areas, dwindled as people paid their respects to the day of independence. Protest activity overall was minimal, compared to the two previous days. Ong tapes spread, through different forms of media like written transcripts which circulated. June 13, 2005 On June 13, the official position of the government held on to the stand that the pieces of evidence are fake, and Mrs Arroyo did not commit electoral fraud. Copies of tapes, CDs, and written transcripts spread. The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) challenged the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) regarding warning of a possible forced closure of networks that air the contents of the tapes that involve the conversations of President Arroyo. June 14, 2005 On June 14, the KBP attacked the NTC by calling their warning as "an attack on press freedom." The spread of tapes, CDs, written transcripts are accompanied by the spread of computer files (.doc, and .mp3) versions of the Ong recordings over the Internet. Authorities later released their own government endorsed copies over the Internet, and called the Ong recordings, already widespread, as "manipulated". Ong sympathizers countered by calling the act a last ditch attempt by the government to save itself. Sympathizers said that since the government can't control the spread of the Ong recordings, authorities just tried to confuse the electorate with their own fake recordings. Foreign experts reportedly confirmed that the Ong recordings do indeed have the voices of Mrs Arroyo and Garcillano. This was confirmed by New Jersey based Voice Identification Inc. Mrs Arroyo has yet to respond. With the tape itself authenticated, and the voices therein confirmed, Ong sympathizers began a fresh wave of protests calling for the legal ouster of politicians. They called for the Supreme Court to declare the 2004 elections null and void. They also supported the creation of interim government, new elections, all to be followed by a new legitimate government. Mrs Arroyo stood by her claim of innocence. June 17, 2005 On June 17, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemned the Arroyo administration for attempting to restrict the airing of the Ong recordings. Christopher Warren, IFJ president said that, "Threatening journalists and media organizations is an unacceptable practice in a democracy; the [Arroyo] administration needs to be more transparent in its dealings with election officials." Authorities instead allowed the country's media to play a government endorsed recording which they claim to be the original. The government tapes portray a conversation of Mrs Arroyo and a man named Gary, rather than Garci (nickname of Garcillano). The Ong recordings though have already been verified (both tape and content) by two neutral parties. Also, the courts have not yet had a say on the matter. June 18, 2005 On June 18, the KBP announced that the Ong recordings may now be aired to the general public, until it is proven to be an illegal wiretap by the Arroyo administration. Both the Ong recordings and the government endorsed recordings were broadcast on mass media channels. June 19, 2005 On June 19, Virgilio Garcillano was reportedly seen in Zamboanga City, preparing to go abroad. Copies of both recordings spread further everywhere through almost every possible means of mass media. A significant number of the country's electorate was already able to access the recordings. Names of many other election candidates and other politicians are reportedly mentioned in the recordings. Procedures that are already in place could help end the issue of electoral fraud allegations on Mrs Arroyo, Garcillano and any other related party. Everyday life for most citizens moved back to normal, though the crisis is still ongoing. Members of Congress reportedly were interested in starting hearings about the crisis. June 27, 2005 On June 27, a day before the burial of the former Archbishop of Manila Jaime Cardinal Sin, President Arroyo addressed the country with a television broadcast. She admitted that it was indeed her voice on the tape. She explained that she was just asking for a count in Mindanao, the southern island. Her admission was followed by an apology addressed to the people stating that she made a "lapse in judgment" in communicating with an electoral commission official during the election. Lawyer Oliver Lozano filed an impeachment case against Mrs Arroyo on the grounds of her alleged betrayal of public trust. Representative Prospero Pichay was confident that no congressman would endorse the impeachment case, however a party list representative had indeed endorsed it. The largest opposition group did not support impeachment because they believed that it was part of the political maneuvering of the administration. Former president and opposition leader Estrada said that Mrs Arroyo could not be impeached because impeachment is made on a legitimate president which, according to him, she was "not." June 29, 2005 On June 29, Roilo Golez, a representative in Congress, has resigned from Mrs Arroyo's own political party. Mrs Arroyo's coalition ally and senate president, Franklin Drilon demanded Mrs Arroyo to restore the electorate's confidence in her, if she could prove her innocence. Susan Roces, widow of an opposition leader, rejected Mrs Arroyo's public apology, as she claimed that Mrs Arroyo stole the presidency "not once, but twice". Cabinet leaders, as well as other appointees, declared that they will stand together with Mrs Arroyo, amid reports that Arroyo intends to fire some of her appointees. The Congressional inquiry on the electoral fraud allegations continued with some deadlock. July 1, 2005 On July 1, heavy protests began anew with thousands on the streets. Protests were held in several areas around the country, most especially in Manila and its suburban areas. Protesters requested for foreign aid from the international community, to run new elections. Influential Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales said, "Genuine forgiveness demands more than an apology, and those who seek forgiveness should be ready to be called to accountability." It was also reported that the Congressional inquiry may play the complete Ong recording on its next hearing. July 4, 2005 On July 4, the country celebrated Filipino-American Friendship Day. Protesters called for Mrs Arroyo's resignation. Numerous universities expressed their desire for Mrs Arroyo to resign. These included some members of their faculty and their administration as well. The President will be replaced by vice-president Noli de Castro, if she would choose to resign. Social Weather Stations (SWS), an independent opinion poll, admitted to hastily releasing exit poll results during the questioned elections. July 6, 2005 On July 6, Prime Minister Marek Belka of Poland made a state visit to the Philippines. Garcillano broke his long silence with the issue and responded. According to him, he and the President did not talk about cheating during the 2004 elections, and did not manufacture the so-called "one million" votes for Mrs Arroyo. Garcillano also compared his discussion with Mrs Arroyo with other numerous candidates who also called him. These included candidates Loren Legarda, Francis Escudero, Jamby Madrigal, and Mar Roxas. Roxas, now a senator, denied this and said that he just exchanged greetings Garcillano. Vidal Doble, a military intelligence agent, has also been investigated in Congress. Senator Francisco Tatad also said that he is the source of the audio tapes possessed by Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye. The President’s husband, Juan Miguel Arroyo, left for San Francisco, for voluntary exile to help ease political tensions fueled by the jueteng and wiretapping allegations. July 7, 2005 On July 7, Mrs Arroyo rejected calls for her resignation in a public radio address. She asked though for the resignation of her entire cabinet, so that she may have a "free hand to reorganize". She also mentioned that she would address the issue of change in constitution in general. The Philippines is currently under the 1987 constitution. Ramos suggested that the constitution should be changed. He even set up a time frame from August to February to have the constitution changed. Catholic Educators Association of the Philippines (CEAP) expressed their support to the impeachment case filed against President Arroyo. July 8, 2005 On July 8, a group of ten appointed government officials, seven in cabinet level, requested for Mrs Arroyo's own resignation, after filing their own resignations. This group was led by Cesar Purisima from the Finance Department. However, a group of cabinet members lead by Eduardo Ermita, together with the city mayors and House Speaker Jose de Venecia, made a press conference in the Malacañang Palace to express their support to the President. Foreign secretary Alberto Romulo said that the Diplomatic community expresses their support to the present leadership of Mrs Arroyo. De Venecia expressed his intent to change the constitution. Later in the day, the Liberal Party, a former staunch Mrs Arroyo ally, echoed the resignation requests as well. The influential Makati Business Club, and former president Corazon Aquino did the same. Protests continued. Mrs Arroyo affirmed her rejection of resignation as a means of solving the issue. LAKAS-CMD, under the leadership of President Fidel V. Ramos and De Venecia, and Kampi parties, Mrs Arroyo's coalition allies, agreed the same. July 9, 2005 On July 9, a press conference again was held by the loyal cabinet members of President Arroyo together with administration congressmen to answer the accusations that were thrown by the party of Purisima. They also confirmed their support with the present administration and said that Mrs Arroyo is doing her job as usual. They also denied the rumors of her possible escape from Manila to Cebu to escape trouble. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is convening to decide their stand in this issue. Archbishop Oscar Cruz of Lingayen said that almost 90% of the Bishops want Gloria to resign. Lito Atienza, chairman of the Liberals, was disappointed that not all Liberal Party members were included in the consultation meeting to decide whether to support the President or not. Mrs Arroyo confirmed that she will not resign to her office. Local government leaders said that the resignation clamor of in Manila did not represent the provinces and the entire nation. Protesters replied the contrary. July 10, 2005 On July 10, the CBCP had their stand that they will not appeal for the resignation of Mrs Arroyo. However, they said that there should be an independent "Truth Commission" to investigate Mrs Arroyo. They will not support of any kinds of revolutionary government. Mrs Arroyo together with her family celebrated mass and went to Baywalk to celebrate their family day. Mrs Arroyo praised the decision of CBCP of neutrality. Various groups together with Fr. Robert Reyes condemned the CBCP for their neutrality of the issue. July 12, 2005 Seventeen of the country’s political parties and party-list groups vowed to push for Cha-cha (Charter change) and a complete overhaul of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as the proper and correct starting point to re-establish the harmony and stability of the nation. De Venecia lead a meeting of politicians that agreed to oppose coups, rebellions, insurrections, subversions, or any form of violence as solutions to the political problems of the country. The statement was signed by many administration leaders, opposition leaders, as well as the non-affiliated. July 13, 2005 On July 13, 30,000 reportedly protested in Makati. Sheila Coronel of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism released an article that allegedly may verify Mrs Arroyo and Comelec electoral fraud as well as Namfrel involvement. The conversation had the "dagdag... dagdag" statement said by the woman. Malacañang, however said that the conversation is tampered. July 14, 2005 Drilon mentioned that Mrs Arroyo's planned constitutional changes would be "dead in the water" if it would be brought to the senate. "We are against any amendment to the Constitution. The solution to the current problem does not lie in the present Constitution," said Drilon as he advocated for electoral system reforms. Administration officials in the lower house of Congress were reportedly planning a rally in Saturday. Luis "Chavit" Singson, the Governor of Ilocos Sur and Mrs Arroyo ally, released an alleged wiretapped conversation entitled "The X Tapes" (spoofed from "The X Files") that allegedly portrays opposition leader Estrada talking about cheating in elections and the possible assassination of "pandak" and "tanda", codenames allegedly of Mrs Arroyo and Ramos. Allegedly also, he said that former presidential candidate Lacson approved of the plan. Both Lacson and Estrada countered by saying that the audio is a government fake and has not been verified, using allegedly the same "confusion tactics" on the public that was allegedly done with the "manipulated" version of the Ong recordings. Singson already has been a main witness and a provider of evidence against opposition leaders before. Estrada's plunder trial, and impeachment trial were based on his evidence. If proven to be true, the tape may condemn the mentioned opposition leaders. July 15, 2005 Liberals Manuel Mamba and Florencio Vargas accused the administration for attempting to buy votes from the opposition and the newly independent Liberals, who recently bolted off Mrs Arroyo's coalition. Opposition Rolex Suplico and Ronaldo Zamora claimed that they received "tempting offers." July 16, 2005 Pro-Gloria rallyists went to Quirino Grandstand to express their support to the President. Although the President didn't come, Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye said that the President Arroyo is happy and glad that the people still support her. July 19, 2005 Mrs Arroyo agrees to the creation of a "Truth Commission", composed of non-partisan and non-government leaders, for the investigation on electoral fraud. Administration leaders affirmed her for her actions. Ong sympathizers called this as "delaying tactics" since this would just add more bureaucracy in an already heavily red taped government. They also said that there are already swift measures to pursue alleged criminals of electoral fraud. However, the "Truth Commission" is supported by the heavily influential Catholic Church and its leaders. July 20, 2005 Liwayway Chato, Samuel Ong's legal counsel complained in an interview that the government officials rarely gave the Ong sympathizers permits for holding peaceful protests. The well-organized pro-administration demonstrators, on the other hand, were provided with not only permits, but funding, logistics, networking, and transportation as well. Ong sympathizers suggested that these things were done by the government to manipulate the public opinion. Former senator and administration ally John Osmeña accused Mrs Arroyo of padding votes in areas such as Cebu, Pampanga, and Tarlac. He also mentioned that the number of votes in Tawi-Tawi actually exceeded the number of official registered voters. He also said, "Kung papakinggan n'yo 'yung tape, nagrereklamo si Garci na 'yung mga taong assigned sa Tawi-Tawi ay Hindi marunong [mandaya] (If you will listen to the tape, you will hear Garci complaining that the people who were assigned in Tawi-Tawi don't know how to cheat)" Arroyo's administration allies in the areas questioned strongly denied these accusations by asking the former senator to prove his claim. They countered also by saying that Cebu Archbishop Vidal certified that the election there was orderly. July 25, 2005 Gloria Macapagal Arroyo delivered her yearly State of the Nation Address, in which she advocated for institutional reforms. Earlier in the day, the main opposition filed for Mrs Arroyo's impeachment, with revisions from the previous impeachment charges. July 27, 2005 Two independent sources confirmed that Virgilio Garcillano took a flight from Subic last July 14, to Singapore, contrary to denials by Philippine authorities. He spent a night in Singapore, and then flew for London. August 12, 2005 Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Michael Defensor came out lashing at the political opponents of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, armed with his own commissioned authentication of the Paguia tape (so called as it was released by Alan Paguia, former lawyer of ousted president Joseph Estrada), alleging that they were spliced so as to incriminate the president to charges of rigging the elections in her favor. Defensor cited the analysis done by a renowned American forensic sound expert, Barry Dickey, on the materials — two tracks of audio recordings from the Paguia tape — he submitted which was based on the audio examination done by Jonathan Tiongco. Defensor, who has contracted Tiongco with the help of a friend in the media for his “technical expertise," described him as a “veteran audio/voice technician steeped in the process of sound and voice recording." Dickey’s findings were also only categorical as far as the track involving the time code 00:00:33.00 to 00:00:35.00 is concerned, which is associated with a male speech, as being "inconsistent with the rest of the recording." Anomalies associated with the track referring to the part where “yung dagdag" is mentioned (time code 00:00:29.00 to 00:00:36.00), he said, will require further analysis. August 13, 2005 Sound engineer Jim Sarthou says he did not know he was going to be part of the Friday press conference to verify the anomalies found by an American expert in the "Hello Garci" tapes. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr. urges the Senate investigating panels to summon Pampanga provincial board member Lilia Pineda and suspected gambling lord Rodolfo "Bong" Pineda before they terminate the inquiry into the jueteng scandal. Sound engineer Jim Sarthou says he distinctively heard the word "dagdag" in the "Hello Garci" tapes that Environment Secretary Michael Defensor said were fake during a press conference Friday. August 19, 2005 Audio expert Jim Sarthou says the "dagdag" part of a track in the controversial "Hello Garci" tapes was not spliced, according to his findings. Sarthou, in an interview with ANC, says he analyzed six versions of the recordings he downloaded all from website of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ). He says he analyzed the track which contains the word "dagdag" and found no anomalies in all of the versions, contrary to earlier claims by Environment Secretary Michael Defensor that it was spliced. August 21, 2005 The Black and White Movement is officially founded, and is a member organization of the bigger multisectoral Alliance for the Truth, also launched. These groups were formed for the purpose of peacefully ridding the government of cheating politicians permanently. Members of the movement support either resignation, impeachment or ouster of Arroyo and other politicians guilty of cheating in elections. August 28, 2005 The National Democratic Front, a left leaning coalition that includes socialists, has expressed desire to finally reconcile with the established government, after 35 years of political and military conflict. According to reports, the peace treaty will only be supported by the NDF under conditions that the NDF be integrated in government, as well as the current government be cleaned up of officials who are involved in electoral fraud and corruption. August 30, 2005 The House of Representatives had impeachment proceedings, as a leader of the administration representatives hinted last week that the impeachment will be "killed". Fresh waves of protests begin anew earlier in the morning as calls for putting Mrs Arroyo to trial is reaffirmed in order to find out the truth regarding electoral fraud. Eventually, after some deadlock, the regular session of the House was suspended, preventing a witness, a former cabinet official, from uncovering an alleged conspiracy by administration leaders. Impeachment supporters protested, but a vote to adjourn the session continued, and the "ayes" won. The impeachment supporters subsequently walked out. Arroyo's administration allies form the majority of the House. September 2, 2005 An interfaith prayer gathering began that night as all the various pro-impeachment groups united, including former president Corazon Aquino, former vice president Teofisto Guingona, and political neophyte Susan Roces, various elected officials, as well as other leaders. Student groups and the youth mobilized earlier to support the "search for the truth" in the black and white movement. Constituents appealed to their representatives to support the impeachment complaint in order to find the truth through a senate trial regarding electoral fraud, among other alleged crimes, conducted by Mrs Arroyo and her allies. September 5, 2005 Alipio Fernandez, commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration, and Nilo Hatico, chief of the Air Transportation Office, are being requested by some officials to resign or be removed due to the escape of Virgilio Garcillano abroad. Fernandez and Hatico responded by saying that they were not given the order to aid in the capture of the possible witness. Protests continued. The lower house of Congress gave the pro-impeachment bloc, consisting of mostly young minority and young majority leaders, the long delayed opportunity to actually prove their case. Pro-impeachment leaders were able to present significant evidence on Mrs Arroyo's alleged electoral fraud, and other alleged crimes, and provided many other details. Such details include how the crimes were conducted. Although electoral fraud was allegedly conducted in a national level, there were a few key areas where cheating was done, allegedly. These areas were already known to be dominated by Mrs Arroyo supporters, but her margin of victory in those places were to be appear bigger than it actually is. This alleged technique was used to make Mrs Arroyo's victory all the more believable, to prevent any electoral complaints. Other related techniques, allegedly, were kidnapping and harassment of electoral officials and their families. Also shown through evidence was the alleged cover-up and conspiracy of Mrs Arroyo and administration leaders despite overwhelming evidence to preserve their respective holds on power and to mislead the electorate on the issue. Compelling was the evidence that Fuentabella, a former speaker and member of the majority, on the spot resigned from one of his committee posts, and signed the amended impeachment complaint, a moral victory for the pro-impeachment bloc. However, administration leaders still held a strong majority and could still "kill" impeachment through a vote, and thus, preventing a trial in court. September 6, 2005 A vote in the lower house of Congress on Justice Committee Report 1012 was done in the House of Representatives. The House Plenary session was considered as the longest session in Philippine history. The session started September 5 at 4:00 p.m. and adjourned 3:35 p.m. September 6. That session lasted 23 hours and 35 minutes. Report 1012 recommended that house to cease impeachment proceedings, and thus, preventing a court trial for Mrs Arroyo. Pro-impeachment leaders debated in a house plenary that Report 1012 was rushed and was not transparent as a few of the members of the Justice Committee were not present in the process of making the report. However, Mrs Arroyo's administration allies, who are in favor of junking impeachment, and agreeing to Report 1012, had the majority of the house. The administration leaders voted "yes" to Report 1012, thus ending the impeachment process, thus preventing its subsequent trial. The pro-impeachment bloc vowed to respond back, either through a case in the Supreme Court or through public protests, since they believe that Mrs Arroyo's allies are "suppressing the truth." Administration leaders replied that the minority should just respect the majority and "the rule of law". The evidence as a whole, if used in the court being sought by the minority bloc, may actually convict President Arroyo and her accomplices. 158 voted "Yes", 51 voted "No" and 6 abstained. A significant number of protests are being held around the capital, mostly composed of students and faculty, working professionals, religious groups, civil society groups, people's organizations, urban poor, etc. These are some of the largest protests since the earlier portion of the crisis, although a count of the protesters is still to be confirmed. A prayer rally is being held as well near Congress, led by former president Corazon Aquino, and other leaders. Protesters are urging that Mrs Arroyo and her allies, allegedly guilty of electoral fraud and other related crimes, be ousted. Comparisons with previous revolutions in EDSA are common among the people. Protesters are mostly wearing black and white colors, although mostly white claiming to symbolize "righteousness". September 7, 2005 Protests continued, in various places around the capital, including in EDSA. Some sources mention that the number of protesters has swelled. Protesters are calling for the ouster of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. November 22, 2005 All house chairpersons who voted in favor to the impeachment complaint were stripped from their positions and were replaced by house representatives who belonged to the majority party. Some opposition figures doubted the move as there were rumors that Virgilio Garcillano would reappear. November 23, 2005 The CCTA (Citizens Congress for Truth and Accountability) completed its sessions last Nov. 9, 15 and 16 on charges of graft and corruption, electoral fraud, human rights violations, and betrayal of public trust against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. An extended session was held last Wednesday to accommodate additional evidence and witnesses. Making it to the last CCTA session on Nov. 23 at the De La Salle University in Manila was expert witness and audio recording engineer Jaime Sarthou. He presented his comparative study on the different 'Hello Garci' tapes, including Sammy Ong’s “mother of all tapes", Atty. Alan Paguia’s, Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s, and the two compact discs (CD) presented by Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye, his “original untampered" CD and the “tampered" one. When asked by the Presidium if he can identify whether Garcillano was the other party Mrs Mrs Arroyo was reportedly talking with on the other end of the line, Sarthou commented, “If (we hear Garcillano speak), we can identify if it’s his voice or not." “So he’d better not speak," Sarthou quipped. November 26, 2005 Five months after his disappearance, Virgilio Garcillano appeared on public media to formally explain his side of the story and the reasons why he disappeared from the public. He admitted that he talked to President Arroyo about election related issues but denied that he was influenced to change the results of the election. He also accused several opposition figures for attempting to assassinate him. He mentioned that some politicians other than Mrs Arroyo called him. He denied that Angelo Zuce was his biological nephew. November 27, 2005 Garcillano's appearance to the media overshadowed public attention from the 2005 Southeast Asian Games. The Philippines was the year's host of the bi-annual event. First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, who returned from the United States on October, felt relieved from Garcillano's statement. Garcillano, in a new TV interview expressed his desire to appear before the congressional inquiry on public information. Former NBI Deputy Director Samuel Ong, through his legal counsel announced that he too would reappear in the public once Garcillano attended the inquiry. The House of Representatives was preparing for the resumption of the inquiry in December. February 24, 2006 Large protests occurred near EDSA shrine, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of People Power Revolution of 1986, and in demanding change in government. After the government claimed that it blocked a "coup attempt" in the capital, Mrs Arroyo declared a "state of emergency", and revoked all rallying permits. The "coup attempt" was made up of only 2 soldiers. Legal analysts state that the president cannot declare "state of emergency" without the concurrence of the two houses of Congress voting separately. On his way to the memorial shrine during a march, prominent sociologist Randy David was arrested, but he was released later that day. August 21, 2007 On August 21, 2007, Isafp agent in Garci tapes resurfaces and Panfilo Lacson wants investigation by the Committee on National Defense and Security. During a privilege speech, Lacson played a taped interview of Air Force T/Sgt. Vidal Doble. Jr, formerly of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Isafp). Vidal stated that Project Lighthouse (September 2003 to April 2005), targeted several personalities. He is coming out only now since he is already a civilian and he did not see any action against cheating in the 2004 and 2007 elections. August 22, 2007 An insider of Smart Communications worked with the Isafp in wiretapping political leaders during the 2004 elections, and Smart admitted it was possible that an employee coordinated with Isafp. Vidal Doble said 2 of his former superiors at the "Project Lighthouse" operation – Col. Paul Sumayo and Capt. Frederick Rebong – "coordinated" with a "recruit" and contact inside Smart. Ramon Isberto of Smart, said - "This first came out two to three years ago. The company has not participated in any efforts to monitor conversations." Speechless wiretappers: Doble said he and everybody else involved in "Project Lighthouse" were shocked to hear President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo speak with former Virgilio Garcillano about the rigging of poll results. Doble said "Project Lighthouse" had 14 members divided into 4 teams - "All of the teams knew about the conversation of [Mrs Arroyo] and commissioner Garcillano." Doble revealed those who gave the order to launch "Project Lighthouse": Western Command (Wescom) chief Vice Admiral Tirso Danga, former deputy chief of staff for intelligence; Brigadier Gen. Marlou Quevedo, former Isafp chief; Army Col. Allen Capuyan, former head of the Isafp's special operations group; and "down the line" the project "group commander" Col. Sumayo; Capt. Rebong; and Capt. Lindsay Rex Sagge. La Union 2nd district Rep. Thomas Dumpit Jr., a former intelligence officer of the Presidential Security Group and Philippine Army officer, stated that he discovered the Intelligence Service of the Philippines (Isafp)'s illegal wiretapping activities during the time of former general Jose Calimlim, where it tapped conversations coming in and out of Joseph Estrada's. Isafp agents had also been involved in the selling of intelligence information to foreign agencies, including the US Central Intelligence Agency. The Senate of the Philippines agreed to revive the investigation on the "Hello, Garci" wiretap recordings after Doble revealed his readiness to testify.
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