Sen. Roxas' opening statement during the NBN Project Joint Committee Hearing

First of all, to Mr. Lozada: Welcome, we are all glad that you are safe. For many hours, so many across the nation were worried about your well-being, and we’re glad that you’re here before us.

This is not going to be an inquisition. I see nervousness in your face. Just relax. Like everyone else, we just want to know the truth. We sympathize with you, with the predicament that you’re in. It was a very difficult last several days, weeks or months for you, and perhaps today, which is Constitution Day by the way, today, the truth will set you free.

It is so hard to do the right thing in our country today. And so I congratulate you for trying to do the right thing. I assure you that we here in the Senate will help you do the right thing, whatever that right thing is, and whatever that will mean. So we congratulate you, we applaud you, and we support your efforts to do the right thing.

What has happened to you shows that this broadband deal is not about modernizing the Philippines. It is about lining the pockets of those in power. It is not about serving the Republic, it is about syndicated looting of our Treasury.

How high does this conspiracy go, to silence you?

I agree with former Senator Salonga that the controversy arising from the NBN deal is a quarrel among thieves, and I am not taking any sides in this issue except for the people’s side.

I hate it when functionaries in Malacañang call you a liar, and call senators grandstanders, when Cabinet members themselves are invoking executive privilege to escape the scrutiny of people.

And so I make this appeal to you: Even as we understand your predicament, be certain, be assured, that all we want is the truth. God bless you in today’s hearings.

Friday, February 8, 2008 | posted in angel atutubo, avelino razon, benjamin abalos, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, rodolfo lozada, zte deal | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas demands copy of purported Lozada request for PNP security

Senator Mar Roxas today called on Philippine National Police Director-General Avelino Razon to furnish the Senate with a copy of the purported letter of Rodolfo Lozada, potential witness for the National Broadband Network probe in the Senate, requesting for security upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport yesterday.

“There is clear conflict between what Lozada’s family is saying and the claims of the PNP,” Roxas, co-chair of the NBN hearings, said.

“The only way to clear the air is for the PNP chief to produce the purported letter of Lozada and thereby show that all the actions of his subordinates were and continue to be above board,” he added.

The Liberal Party President also scored NAIA security authorities, headed by retired general Angel Atutubo, for negligence of the highest order in allowing a PNP impostor to enter the airport premises and take custody of Lozada.

“PNP Chief Razon has stated to the media that the policeman identified as SPO4 Roger Valeroso, who allegedly took Lozada, is not in the official rolls. Why was he given access to the most sensitive tarmac area without a thorough identity check?” Roxas asked.

He lamented, “This is an absurd situation, considering that the airport is a high security zone where people are subject to identity and baggage checks of the most stringent kind.”

Thursday, February 7, 2008 | posted in angel atutubo, avelino razon, benjamin abalos, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, rodolfo lozada, zte deal | 0 comments [ More ]