First Gentleman Mike Arroyo said on Thursday his critics want to kill him by continuing to involve him in controveries he knows nothing about.

He made the statement as he emerged from rehabilitation therapy as a Senate investigation into the latest controversy involving him was underway.

Speaking to reporters outside St. Luke's Medical Center (SLMC), Mr. Arroyo dismissed as hearsay all accusations leveled against him in the World Bank controversy.

He also denied meeting any Japanese contractor, and maintained that Eduardo de Luna, one of the contractors allegedly involved in bid-rigging, was a mere social acquaintance. 

Mr. Arroyo said De Luna was just a "kumpadre" through a common godchild.

He said he has not seen a copy of the World Bank report. He said all he knows are from what he reads in the papers, and they are not true.

Mr. Arroyo said he wants Senator Panfilo Lacson to produce a copy of the the World Bank report since he is the one accusing.

He expressed exasperation that Malacañang has already asked for a copy of the report, but the World Bank has not responded.

The First Gentleman said he wants to continue with his therapy since he is one of a few who has survived a delicate heart surgery years ago.

He said statistics show that people with his case have a very low survival rate, and he intends not to be one of the fatalities.

The First Gentleman goes to SLMC for his bi-weekly rehab therapy that lasts two to three hours, which involves exercises on the treadmill and bicycle. -- by RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News