Remonde: Malacañang not affected by protests

Amid all the damning Senate testimonies of Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. on the alleged irregularities in the government’s national broadband network deal with ZTE Corp., Malacañang is taking things “just like any other day in the office,” said Presidential Management Staff chief Cerge Remonde.

In an interview with The Freeman, Remonde said that they already saw it coming as the opposition will never leave stones unturned just so they could oust President Gloria Arroyo.

Remonde said that while the claims of Lozada are still “speculations” and “hearsay,” the effort of some anti-GMA groups calling for the resignation of the president, “proves only that they’re not after justice,” the PMS head said.

Remonde explained that Lozada was not even part of the project, which means, he is not in the position to say anything on the multi-million dollar ZTE-NBN deal.

The Cebuano cabinet member added that the broadband project was even scrapped and never had a chance to take off.

“It’s all been planned. This is part of their incessant campaign to bring down the government,” he said.

A statement issued by the ZTE Corporation supports Remonde’s claim that “Mr. Lozada has no direct relation with ZTE Corporation.”

Remonde said that the fact that the demonstrations are allowed shows that there is indeed democracy in the country contrary to claims made by the opposition.

Remonde added that while it is the right of these people to protest, they must do it “responsibly.”

He said that while the government may not be affected by these protests, the economy is hardest hit.

“Sayang, we now have a chance to sustain economic growth. Usik, masalot na lang hinuon,” Remonde said.

He urged those who are complaining to just wait for the elections in 2010 when President Arroyo would step down.

BUSINESS AS USUAL IN CEBU

While there are protests in Manila, it’s business as usual in Cebu.

Teodoro Locson, vice president for external affairs of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the Cebuanos haven’t shifted their focus from business despite the controversy in Manila.

Locson said the political scandal creating too much noise is a “national happening,” which has “nothing to do with business.”

In a recent PIA forum that tackled the issue on federalism, Locson was asked whether the latest political issue will drag the economy down.  He said, “if we start to become affected by what is happening in Manila, then we might as well stop working.”

Locson said that in a recent gathering where CCCI officials met with prospective foreign investors, a question was raised on how the Senate hearing would affect the business climate.

They replied that in Cebu, the business community is focused on further enhancing the business atmosphere so more investments would come in and more businesses will grow. — with Gregg M. Rubio/NLQ