The ruling bloc lambasted Democratic Party of Japan President Yukio Hatoyama over the political funds scandal he's embroiled in, but the opposition chief held his ground Thursday and said he had fulfilled his duty to explain the details.
The Lower House, controlled by the Liberal Democratic Party-New Komeito ruling coalition, convened a special panel on political ethics and elections, but DPJ committee members failed to show, adding fuel to the fire.
LDP Representative Akinori Eto slammed the DPJ for its absence, telling the committee: "I firmly protest this boycott, which is a sad act that will amplify public distrust on politics. It is extremely regrettable."