Judge in Lozada case urged to steer away from politics

MANILA, Philippines -  A senior Malacañang official has reminded the judge handling the perjury case against NBN-ZTE deal whistleblower Rodolfo Lozada Jr. to come up with a decision based on the merits of the case and to steer away from political issues.

Secretary to the Cabinet Silvestre Bello III, in an interview over state-run Radyo ng Bayan, reiterated that the Palace would not interfere in the case of Lozada in spite of the fact that it was former presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor who filed the lawsuit.

However, Bello and Press Secretary Cerge Remonde expressed dismay over the recent statements made by Manila Metropolitan Trial Court judge Jorge Lorredo about the case, particularly those referring to President Arroyo and her husband, First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo.

Lorredo was quoted in earlier reports as suggesting to Defensor that he settle the case with Lozada for the sake of his health and political career.

He also said that he would not hesitate to issue subpoenas against the First Couple to stand witness in the trial if necessary.

Bello said he was surprised by the statements made by the judge, which he said were improper and out of bounds.

“We have no reason to doubt that he will decide the case based on its merits. But the statements he made about issuing subpoenas against President Arroyo and the First Gentleman, I believe these were out of bounds and it is not proper for a judge to say that,” said Bello, a former Justice secretary.

He said Lorredo should be more conscious about the statements he is making, particularly when it relates to the country’s Chief Executive.

Bello emphasized that the case of Lozada is a personal matter between him and Defensor and there is no reason whatsoever for the Palace to be involved in it.

“I don’t see why some people want to connect President Arroyo to the case when it is clear that it is a private complaint filed by private person in his individual capacity against a private individual,” Bello said.

Remonde, for his part, said that the judge should not meddle into political matters in the same way that politicians should not interfere in the affairs of the judiciary.