Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Probincianong Intsik

Atty. Sergio Apostol on the testimony of Mr. Rodolfo Lozada commented, “Lozada is a Probinsyanong Intsik who deserves to be deported.”

This remark is unbecoming of a good lawyer. Atty. Apostol deserves immediate dismissal from his post as Presidential Adviser for Legal Affairs. His upper–quoted remark is undiplomatic which may impede the harmonious relations between two countries, viz avis, the Philippines and the Peoples Republic of China.

Apostol must sincerely apologize to China, to her people, to the Filipino Chinese community and the Chinese communities in other countries such as in the United States and Europe. Moreover, Malacañang must also apologize to China for its failure to recruit top level government officials who can promote excellent, harmonious relations between the Philippines and with other countries. Malacañang must even apologize to the Filipinos for its oversight to recruit the brightest and the best among them for the position of Presidential Adviser for Legal Affairs.

Who Is Telling The Truth?

Listening and watching the Joint Blue Ribbon Committee, National Defense and Security Committee, and Trade and Industry Committee of the Senate of the Philippines, the viewers can easily identify who are telling the truth, who are telling half truths, who are for the people and who are depending the tenants in Malacañang Palace, Manila.

In a marathon hearing held on Monday, February 11, Mr. Rodolfo Lozada, Jr. appeared credible, and consistent in his testimonies. Lozada’s testimonies why he went to Hong Kong, his return to Manila, his alleged kidnapping from the NAIA until his return to La Salle Greenhills are more credible than the testimonies of Col. Mascarinas, Dep. Sec. Manuel Gaite, Gen. Atutubo, PNP Director Gen. Avelino Razon, Mr. Mike Defensor, Sec. Atienza and Atty. Bautista.

Gen. Atutubo’s response to the question of Sen. Biazon why Lozada was not allowed to pass through the immigration upon his arrival from Hong Kong is extremely incredible. Col. Mascarinas’ answers to the questions why he gave a tour to Lozada for about six (6) hours in Metro Manila up to Los Baños, Laguna are cover ups to people above and deserve to be fed to earthworms producing vermicast to fertilize farmers’ farm.

It is a pity that a good man, PNP Dir. General Avelino Razon was forced to answer questions seemingly in defense to both his men and some VIPs. Atty. Bautista in his testimonies is not really a great lawyer which he wished to project himself. In his testimonies, Atty. Bautista projected his arrogance by telling the irrelevance like his qualifications that were never asked.

Bautista was asked if there existed a lawyer client relationship between him and Lozada. His answer was far from satisfactory. If he is really a high caliber lawyer, why did he go with Col. Mascarinas to a coffee shop to wait for and meet with Lozada in a late evening? He could have waited in his law office or residence.

P50,000 Panggasto

Is Mr. Mike Defensor really a charitable friend of Lozada and a rich man who has much money to give for Lozada’s “panggasto”? Mr. Defensor handed Lozada an envelope which contained P50,000 for “panggasto”. Lozada did not open it but returned it, “baka matinta pa”, he told the committee.

Dep. Executive Sec. Gaite appeared credible. Lozada confided his fear to appear before the Joint Senate Investigating Committee regarding the National Broadband network (NBN) scam. Lozada requested assistance to prevent him from going to the senate and to testify. For if he is compelled to appear in that investigating committee, he will tell the truth as he cannot tell lies. But there were threats to his life from the people who will be adversely affected by his testimony. It will also disrupt his own life and that of his family members.

But according to Dep. Sec. Gaite, there is no way to evade Senate appearance except to go out of the country. Other reasons like health, prior appointment are just temporary. The only way to escape appearance is to go out of the country. Hence, Lozada went to Hong Kong after Sec. Gaite facilitated approval of his travel papers.

Malacañang Color

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, a brilliant lawyer, exposed his color. In his questions, he wanted to portray Lozada as an incredible person unworthy to be listened to. Enrile asked Lozada about his character. He also asked Lozada to tell which are true and which are false among the testimonies of Gen. Atutubo, Col. Mascarinas, Atty. Bautista and others who refuted Lozada’s testimonies. Lozada obliged to answer Sen. Enrile, but later begged to answer after he is provided with copies of the investigation proceeding.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano assigned Lozada to answer Sen. Enrile’s questions as homework and to provide copies of his answers to each member of the joint senate investigating committee.

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago tried to follow the footpath of Sen. Enrile. She asked questions to test the morality and credibility of Lozada. She questioned Lozada about contracts he signed with the Board of Directors of the Forest Corporation.

Lozada answered: “whatever morality left in me, that is what I am now protecting.” Sen. Santiago appeared unsuccessful to render Lozada an incredible person.

Conclusion

Before the investigation adjourned in the evening of February 11, Senator Mar Roxas gave his conclusion.

During the hearing, he found Rodolfo Lozada’s testimonies more credible. Lozada knows many things about the NBN deal. Because he has several threats received including his family and relatives, he is afraid to appear with the Joint Senate Investigating Committee investigating the NBN Scam. He requested assistance from top government officials to prevent him from appearing in the said investigation. Because if he is allowed to testify, he will reveal the truth, what he knows about the NBN deal. He cannot lie.

And when he told the truth, his life and that of his family and relatives will be in jeopardy. /MP