Arroyo's alleged words on vote-rigging become Philippines' top cellphone ring tone

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - The allegedly wiretapped voice of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo discussing vote-rigging has become a hugely popular ring tone in the cellphone-obsessed Philippines. Justice officials are not amused.

"They are liable under the law," Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales said of those who download the 17-second ring tone from the Internet, or buy it on CDs being sold by street vendors and opposition activists, the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper reported on Thursday.

The government says the recording was obtained illegally and was doctored. Authorities have barred the media from broadcasting any part of it amid opposition calls for Arroyo to step down.

So far, no one has been charged for using it in cellphones, the newspaper said.

The ring tone has a voice resembling Arroyo's talking to an alleged election official about ensuring a one-million-vote margin over her closest rival during the bitterly contested election in May 2004.

© The Canadian Press, 2005