DOJ to Suplico: Stop talking

Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera lamented the continued pronouncements of Iloilo Vice Gov. Rolex Suplico regarding the controversial national broadband network (NBN) deal, which President Arroyo indefinitely suspended yesterday.

She said they violate the principle of sub judice since the local official had already filed a case against Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza.

Devanadera said in the weekly radio program “Para sa Iyo Bayan” of Vice President Noli de Castro that it should be explained to the public why Suplico continues to talk against Mendoza over the NBN deal.

“We respect the legal principle of sub judice. Suplico filed a motion in the Supreme Court (SC) to cite Mendoza for contempt but the vice governor continues to talk about the case. That’s the sad part which should be explained to the public,” Devanadera said.

Mendoza said the case, which is now pending in the SC, prevented him from explaining his side regarding the $329-million NBN contract signed by the government and ZTE Corp. of China.

Suplico also asked the SC to stop the implementation of the deal.