Mike Arroyo won't face Senate

MANILA, Philippines - First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo is not likely to appear for another Senate investigation into the $329-million national broadband network (NBN) contract with ZTE Corp. of China after the Office of the Ombudsman cleared him of graft charges on the controversial deal, his lawyer said yesterday.

Lawyer Ruy Rondain said his client has yet to receive an official invitation from the Senate on the fresh investigation into the deal, although he is aware of the request to appear through the media.

“I could not imagine what more he (Mr. Arroyo) could say to the Senate because he already submitted three affidavits to the Ombudsman, he personally appeared before the Ombudsman, and swore by his affidavit and the whole story is there,” Rondain told the government-run Radyo ng Bayan.

He said he would likely send copies of the affidavits since they were all executed under oath.

Asked whether Mr. Arroyo would accept the Senate investigation, he said: “If I were to venture a guess, not likely. Because, we already sent sworn affidavits and his doctors are not likely to allow him just like in past.”

He said he welcomed the decision of the Ombudsman not to recommend the filing of charges, but at the same time was not totally surprised as the complaint against his client was based on “speculations and fabrications.”

Rondain also hit Senate witness Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada for criticizing the Ombudsman’s decision. Rondain said he has faithfully appeared in all the hearings of the Ombudsman while Lozada did only once or twice.

He said Lozada also refused to file a counter-affidavit and just told the Ombudsman to refer to the minutes of the Senate inquiry.

He said he complained to the Ombudsman and asked that Lozada should “work” on filing a counter-affidavit since the minutes of the Senate hearings were thousands of pages long.

“He (Lozada) refused to cooperate (with the Ombudsman) and now he’s crying,” he said, adding as a lawyer he was offended by Lozada’s attempt to undermine the country’s legal system.

Rondain also referred to Joey de Venecia’s own testimony before the Senate that he does not believe that Mr. Arroyo and President Arroyo were involved.

Meanwhile, the Palace refused to comment on Gordon’s statement that the De Venecia’s should also face raps.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the Palace respects the moves of the Senate.

“The Palace will allow Cabinet secretaries to attend (the hearings) if the Cabinet secretaries feel they can contribute in the hearings and if their participation in the hearings and the invitations are made properly in accordance with established rules, especially in consideration to the Supreme Court ruling in Ermita vs. Senate,” Remonde said.