EDITORIAL

Silencing Truth So Corruption Prevails

Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada told a Senate probe last year that the US $329 million deal between the government of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China’s ZTE Corporation was overpriced. It was higher above the normal ceiling by US $130 million. It was done to allow hefty commissions.

It was Jun Lozada’s allegation which hastened the resignation as chairman of the Commission on Election of Mr. Benjamin Abalos. Last year, it was Lozada who exposed Abalos who offered "Sec. may 200 kayo diyan" (Secretary, you will have 200 in it.)

Mr. Romulo Neri at that time was chief of NEDA then Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education and now Social Security System President was offered "200" if he can facilitate the early approval of the US$329 million NBN ZTE Broadband deal.

Moreover, Jun Lozada exposed the involvement in the said deal of the occupants of Malacañang Palace. His exposition endangered his life and that of his family. To prevent danger, Lozada and his family stayed with the De La Salle Brothers.

On Thursday, April 30, Jun Lozada was arrested on the case of Perjury, one of the 16 cases filed against him for being "whistle blower".

The Warrant of Arrest was issued on the charges filed by Miguel Defensor, former Presidential Chief of staff. Sr. Mary John Mananzan of AMRSP accompanied Lozada in a police car which brought them to the Manila Police District for booking, finger printing and the taking of mug shots.

Lozada was not hand cupped who told newsmen: "My sense of justice is completely shattered".

Though Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim had provided P6,000 for the bail for his temporary liberty, Lozada refused to post bailbond as a sign of protest.
Lozada’s situation is like a man in search for truth but he found jail.

The officials concerned who are suspects of corruption are in perfect liberty. Those airport officials who impeded free and safe travel home for Jun Lozada are enjoying the sweetness of their lives.

Lozada’s arresting officers from the Manila Police District showed and read to Lozada parts of the arrest warrant. Judge Jorge Emmanuel Loredo of the Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 26 issued the warrant.

But Defensor, with his wife and children, vowed to pursue the perjury case he filed versus Jun Lozada even if it reaches the Supreme Court. However, Defensor will withdraw the case if Lozada will retract his statement that he (Defensor) lied; that he kidnapped Lozada upon arrival from Hongkong.

Defensor merely wants "to clear his name for the good of my family. I don’t want Lozada go to jail", said Defensor. But where is Lozada now? Is he not inside a jail?

For fear of repercussions, it was reported that Malacañang officials called up Defensor to "drop the case". Press Secretary Cerge Remonde and Political Affairs Adviser Gabby Claudio called up to drop the case "because the Lozada issue was dead".

Former Presidents Cory Aquino and Erap Estrada "appealed to all freedom – loving Filipinos to support Lozada in every way possible and to make it known, loud and clear, that he is not alone". Erap condemned the arrest. He said, "it is the height of injustice to Lozada and to the Filipino people". Under this administration, the voice of truth is silenced while the acts of the corrupt prevail", he stressed.

In the words of Makati Business club, the filing of 16 cases versus Lozada and the members of his family are blatant acts of harassment... of suppressing the truth about the over pricing and bribery that attended the NBN-ZTE deal.

In the Senate, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile is assessing the necessity of continuing the provision of security officers to Lozada despite his arrest.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Sen. Richard Gordon offered to help Lozada by posting bail to secure temporary liberty. Lacson does not believe the government will be able to resolve the corruption problem if it resorted to getting back at whistle blower like Lozada. Sen. Pia Cayetano and Sen. Francis Pangilinan assailed the political harassment to Lozada. Sen. Mar Roxas consoled Lozada by saying he must not lose hope because the people will support him. /MP