The Philippine Online Chronicles

Senators Panfilo Lacson, Francis Escudero and Francis Pangilinan are among those calling for an investigation into presidential son Mikey Arroyo's personal wealth.

Questions about how Arroyo amassed his P99.2 million fortune cropped up following a Vera Files report that Arroyo owned a million-dollar home in San Francisco.

When Arroyo was questioned on Unang Hirit about how his net worth could have jumped from P5.7 million in 2001 to P74.4 million in 2004 and then to P99.2 million in 2008, the Pampanga representative said the money came from gifts when he got married, and donations for his bid for government.

However, GMA News reported that no donations were listed in Arroyo's statements of election contribution and expenditures for the last two elections. In addition, Philstar.com mentions that Arroyo wed Angela Arroyo Montenegro in 2002.

Journalist Raissa Robles wrote on her blog that legislators only make P420,000 a year.

“Do tell how you managed to generate all that cash that has enabled you to afford your debt, build a mansion in La Vista, Quezon City, buy a million dollar property in California and still maintain a wealthy lifestyle,” she writes.

“This makes it unexplained wealth in violation of the law, which could subject the property to forfeiture proceedings in favor of the government,” said Escudero.

Pangilinan pointed out that charges should be filed against Arroyo as he has dared critics to do. Arroyo has referred critics to his lawyer about further questions about his wealth.

Lacson added that the rest of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's family to be investigated for their increasing wealth.