Opposition criticizes Dona Iris's spending of expense allowances.

Goiás 247_ Federal congresswoman Iris de Araújo (PMDB) called Governor Marconi Perillo the head of a criminal gang at a PMDB meeting a week ago. Iris Rezende's wife always makes harsh statements about the governor, even though she remained silent when she confronted Perillo at the Cachoeira CPI.

The retaliation from Perillo's allies was immediate, beginning with Congressman Túlio Isac demanding explanations from the congresswoman regarding her expenses using the so-called reimbursement allowance provided by the Federal Chamber.

This benefit exists to cover expenses incurred by members of parliament for food and lodging while performing their parliamentary duties. They then submit receipts and provide expense reports, and the amount is reimbursed by the Chamber of Deputies.

Some of Dona Iris's expenses caught the attention of the opposition, such as: stays at the Pérola Búzios Hotel resort (see here) and at Ipanema Pensionato Estudantil (see here), both in the State of Rio de Janeiro. In the first case, the expense was incurred in January 2011 - a period of food insecurity.

Perillo's allies also question Dona Iris's spending at luxury restaurants such as Piquiras (Goiânia) and Figueira Rubaiyat (São Paulo). 

All of these expenses can be viewed on the Federal Chamber's website and were presented by the congresswoman herself. Ms. Iris usually speaks out on Twitter, but so far she hasn't written anything about the expenses related to the reimbursement allowance.

Defender

Congresswoman Dona Iris issued an official statement regarding the case. See the statement below:

Clarification note:

Regarding information circulating on the internet about the use of the expense allowance of the Chamber of Deputies, I hereby provide the following clarifications:

Resolution No. 43 of the Board of Directors, dated May 21, 2009, which establishes a quota for the Exercise of Parliamentary Activity, provides in its Article 2 for the reimbursement of expenses for food (item VI) and lodging (item VII), and, in the latter item, the sole paragraph establishes that the expenses may be incurred by advisors, provided that they are paid for through reimbursement to the Deputy.

None of the expenses for lodging and meals mentioned in criticisms spread on the internet constitute irregularities, having been carried out in strict compliance with the rules governing the Parliamentary Activity Allowance (CEAP). In fact, I made a point of specifying and detailing each one, maintaining my unwavering commitment to transparency.

It is necessary to clarify that, as a member of parliament and national leader of the PMDB party, I fulfill my commitments even during recess periods, especially regarding events to mobilize women, including those in Búzios.

It is clear that the prejudiced and malicious reactions expressed in comments and questions on the internet are directly related to my open confrontation of Governor Marconi Perillo's conduct.

This is an attempt at intimidation, typical of those who are cornered and resort to authoritarianism and slander.

The references I made to Governor Marconi Perillo during the PMDB meeting are supported by the Cachoeira Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry's own report, which held him responsible for the following crimes: Article 288 - Criminal conspiracy; Article 317 - Passive corruption; Article 342 - Perjury before the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry; Article 332 - Influence peddling; (All from the Penal Code); Money laundering (Article 1 of Law 9.613 of 1998) and administrative misconduct (Articles 11 and 12 of Law 8.429 of 1992).

I will not remain silent in the face of the abuses committed by those who, guided by Governor Marconi Perillo, insist on sexist and criminal practices, in a clear affront to the struggle of women.

Goiânia, July 07, 2013
Congresswoman Iris de Araújo