Senator Panfilo M. Lacson today sought a formal inquiry on how inside information from last week’s executive session on the allegedly anomalous National Broadband Network deal investigation was leaked to the media. Continue reading “Ping Seeks Inquiry on Executive Session Leak, Rules Violation”
ZTE Deal Too Big, Reeking to Remain Swept Under the Rug
The $329.5-million deal with China’s ZTE Corp. for a national broadband network deal is too big and reeks too much for Malacañang to sweep it under the rug with a “suspension” order and a series of gag orders on its officials. Continue reading “ZTE Deal Too Big, Reeking to Remain Swept Under the Rug”
Statement on the Suspension of the $330-M ZTE Deal
It would have given us more comfort if the government suspended the project to review its viability and cost-effectiveness. The next question is, for how long will it remain suspended?
The announcement, however, should not deter the Senate committees from pursuing the investigation on the ZTE national broadband network contract. The people want the truth and nothing less.
On the other hand, the suspension of the deal is redundant, but deemed necessary by Malacañang especially after the dismal performance of its Cabinet members in trying to defend the deal before the Senate hearing on the matter.
Indeed, no amount of fancy terms and technicalities could convince the senators – and the public – from harboring a sense of distrust about the nature of the deal. Thus the suspension order, announced on a weekend with “executive privilege” written all over it, to cover the stench of a stinking deal.
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Lacson to Palace, Senate Allies: Get Your Acts Together on ZTE Deal
Malacañang and its allies in the Senate should first get their acts together.
Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson extended the unsolicited advice Thursday as he noted the conflicting statements on the matter by two pro-administration senators and no less than President Arroyo. Continue reading “Lacson to Palace, Senate Allies: Get Your Acts Together on ZTE Deal”
Legacy of Corruption
Mr. President:
I rise today on a matter of personal and collective privilege. I rise as a Filipino who has been paying by way of onerous tax impositions and deprivation of proper services, the burden of a huge public debt. I rise on behalf of two generations that will come after us who will be saddled with paying the debts this administration has contracted and obligated.
In the Special Joint Investment Coordinating Committee (ICC) and Technical Board Meeting of the President’s Cabinet held on 26 March 2007, the Department of Transportation and Communications took up with the economic team, particularly Finance Sec. Margarito Teves and then NEDA Director-General Romulo Neri along with their support staff, the so-called National Broadband Network Project.