The distance of Manila from this summer city does not serve as a barrier for the growing support for Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada, the whistleblower in the multi-million dollar anomaly that has tainted the National Broadband Network (NBN) deal. Lawyers’ groups in this highland region supported Lozada for his exposé and said that the evidences so far gathered are already enough to file graft and corruption charges against those involved in the $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) contract awarded to China’s ZTE Corp.
BY ARTHUR L. ALLAD-IW
Northern Dispatch
Posted by Bulatlat
Vol. VIII, No. 3, February 17-23, 2008
BAGUIO CITY (246 kms north of Manila) – The distance of Manila from this summer city does not serve as a barrier for the growing support for Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada, the whistleblower in the multi-million dollar anomaly that has tainted the National Broadband Network (NBN) deal.
Lawyers’ groups in this highland region supported Lozada for his exposé and said that the evidences so far gathered are already enough to file graft and corruption charges against those involved in the $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) contract awarded to China’s ZTE Corp.
Lawyer Jose Mencio Molintas said if the gauge is probable cause, there is enough evidence to charge those involved with the anomalous deal, including former Comelec Chair Benjamin Abalos Sr. and even First Gentleman Mike Arroyo for graft and corrupt practices.
“Lozada’s testimony corroborates the expose made by Jose de Venecia III and Romulo Neri,” added Molintas, vice-president for Luzon of the newly formed National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL).
Founded September last year, NUPL is a lawyers’ group committed to provide legal services to the victims of human rights violations, particularly the poor and the oppressed.
Another veteran human rights lawyer in the region urged that the time is ripe to file a case against those involved in the anomalous NBN deal while supporting the call of the snowballing campaign against graft and corruption.
“The Senate can already stop its investigation and help in the prosecution of those involved with the NBN anomalous deal;” said Reynaldo Cortes, chair of the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) and active member of the NUPL. Like Molintas, he supports the people’s movement against graft and corruption.
“Before the senators (can be accused) of grandstanding (by the administration), they may be helpful in supporting the case against those involved with the ZTE contract,” Cortes added.
Last Feb. 14, the national leadership of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) added in a press conference their voice to the support for Lozada to standby on truth.
“We condemn and oppose all kinds of corruption,” said Feliciano Bautista, national president and chairman of the IBP. There can be no ‘moderation of greed.’ We call for zero corruption on all public procurements.”
The local IBP in Baguio City and Benguet expressed support for this call. “We support the IBP national (leadership) all the way,” said IBP local president George Dumawing in an interview.
“I personally believe Mr. Lozada’s exposé could bring GMA down if we all support him,” added Dumawing, who claims that more than 1,000 lawyers are affiliated with the local IBP in Baguio City and Benguet.
The national IBP joined the Friday mass protests that denounced graft and corruption within the government of GMA.
Meanwhile, various groups in this city held a mass action at the People’s Park here on Feb. 15 against graft and corruption. In the rally dubbed as the People’s Action for truth and good governance, speakers from the different sectors aired their vehemence against those involved in the corruption scandals exposed by Lozada. Northern Dispatch / Posted by Bulatlat
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