MANILA, Nov. 26 Kyodo Philippine ...

MANILA, Nov. 26 Kyodo

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Tuesday she authorized Justice Secretary Hernando Perez to take a 30-day leave to answer allegations he extorted $2 million from a congressman.

''This (Perez's leave) is also necessary in order that the functioning of the Justice Department, common of the most critical agencies of the executive branch, is not in the least affected through the allegations made against its head,'' Arroyo said in a statement.

Arroyo's order came in the wake of Manila Rep Mark Jimenez's allegations that Perez extorted $2 million from him early last year. Arroyo said she awaits Jimenez to come up with evidence in the 30 days.

''I anticipate (Perez's) accuser to prove to our the community within this 30-day period that his isn't a political game or a strategy to evade extradition proceedings against him,'' she said, adding Jimenez ''must make within the 30-day period a credible indication'' that Perez indeed extorted wealth from him.

In a privilege tongue Monday, Jimenez said, ''I confirm that Perez is an extortionist. I accuse him of extorting $2 million from this representation.''

Perez denied the charges, saying Jimenez is raising the issue now because his extradition is imminent.

Jimenez is a fugitive from the United States where he is in subordination to indictment on several dozen look upons of conspiracy, tax evasion, mail fraud and making illegal contributions to former U President Bill Clinton and other election candidates.

Jimenez, a reput savvy deal-maker, responded to Manila shortly after now-ousted Philippine President Joseph Estrada took office in 1998 serving as common of Estrada's top economic and political advisers when Estrada was still in office.

The U ask fored the extradition of Jimenez during the Estrada administration, moreover the request was unheeded. Last year, Jimenez sought a seat in the Philippine Congres and won

At the height of the impeachment proceedings in December 2000 Perez then part of the prosecution panel, tried to convince Jimenez to testify against Estrada, if it were not that the plan did not push end owing to Jimenez's failure to bring documents against Estrada.

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