Instead of deterring wrongdoing, the Senate panel report on the $329.48-million national broadband network deal mess would intimidate future whistleblowers from exposing anomalies in government, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson lamented Wednesday. Continue reading “Report on ZTE Mess a Deterrent to Whistleblowers”
Tag: NBN-ZTE
Speech before the Rotary Club of Downtown Manila, Corregidor Function Room, Century Park Hotel, Manila
Good evening.
Once a Japanese ambassador told me there are 3 most common lies on earth. No. 1 lie, is when an American tenant tells his landlord, the check is in the mail. It is not to be believed. No. 2 lie, when a Japanese lover tells you that he is more romantic than a Frenchman, don’t believe him. And the 3rd most common lie is when a politician tells you he’s about to deliver a short speech. Ladies and gentlemen, my fellow Rotarians, don’t worry. This is going to be a short speech.
Let me first thank president Henry for giving me the opportunity to be here and share my views on corruption, poverty and what 2010 should mean for all of us. Continue reading “Corrupt-Free 2010”
Part of a frantic cover up.
This was how Senator Panfilo M. Lacson today described Malacañang’s refusal to divulge the minutes of the meeting between President Arroyo and members of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology regarding the National Broadband Network project. Continue reading “‘Healthy’ Cabinet Discussions Will Provide Clues in NBN Graft Puzzle”
Senator Panfilo M. Lacson today said the Senate hearings on the botched $329.5-million National Broadband Network (NBN) project can – and should – continue despite the absence of the chairman of the primary committee tasked to investigate the alleged anomalous deal. Continue reading “Strike While the Iron is Hot on NBN-ZTE Probe”
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”
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”
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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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”
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.
Warning that national security may be at stake, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson sought Wednesday a parallel Senate investigation into the anomalous $329-million national broadband network deal the Philippine government inked with Chinese firm ZTE Corp. Continue reading “Lacson Seeks Parallel Probe of $329-M ZTE Deal”