"Tense, Worried, Anxious"

That's the atmosphere inside Malacanang these days.

Inside Malacañang. The atmosphere in Malacañang these days is described as “tense,” “worried,” “anxious” by Malacañang reporters.

The President has visitorial powers that allow her to look into bank deposits in spite of the bank secrecy law. She has been advised to submit the names of her top aides to the banks and ask for a report on their deposits.

According to a radio reporter, President Arroyo spent three hours at the Mother Ignacia Healing Center in Novaliches last Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., accompanied by presidential adviser Conrado Limcaoco.

The First Gentleman is very quiet these days. He must be worried the US Customs service has a computer record of his dollar deposits. They are very efficient about that. When I was ambassador to Washington, I was told they (US Custom officials) keep a file on all incoming dollars brought in by foreigners. This is due to their concern with drug money and lately, terrorist money. That is why Mrs. Garcia went overboard explaining her source of dollars — to dispel any suspicion she's bringing in drugs or terrorist funds.

Not surprising, really. Normal reaction from guilty people.