Lozada Confirms What We Knew All Along
Rodolfo Noel Lozada, Jr. has confirmed in his testimony last Friday in front of The Philippine Senate that indeed The First Gentleman and Former Commission on Elections Chair Benjamin Abalos were involved in the scrapped $329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal. The deal in which whistleblower Joey De Venecia testified a while back consisted of an overpriced contract meant to put kickbacks into the pocket of Benjamin Abalos.
Rodolfo Lozada, despite my earlier article which frowned on his actions, is indeed a brave man to undertake such a testimony. His constant weeping does not diminish the fact that he is still going through an act that most Filipinos would not wish upon themselves.
In his testimony, he started out by recounting the reasons and circumstances as to why he went to Hong Kong, he also recounted his abduction upon arrival from Hong Kong. Indeed, event after event in this ordeal of Lozada smells of a government so backed to the wall, that they are willing to do anything.
Lozada in his testimony, was forced to sign affidavit after affidavit to clear the First Gentleman in this scandal as well as to cover-up an abduction. If I were him, owing to the fact that he no longer has a career, I’d sell the rights to this future “blockbuster” as Miriam would suggest. Miriam doesn’t realize that this blockbuster is based on a true story.
In the end, the main point of the long testimony is basically a confirmation of the guilt of Abalos and The First Gentleman in a deal which is no doubt just another day in this corrupt Administration. I was saddened in many parts of Mr. Lozada’s testimony as to the extent and casualness of the corruption that pervades our government. Because it is not only this department, but all departments, and at all levels that these types of corruption based on kickbacks exist.
It is a great starting point, a hopeful starting point, that will finally bring this Administration to its knees. I take no satisfaction in the instability that this will cause. But if ripples and waves are what it will cost in order for our nation to cross into still waters, then pray for Lozada, his family, and for the truth to prevail.
