Senate report on NBN-ZTE scandal not yet final, says Pimentel

MANILA, Philippines – Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. yesterday said the report of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee on the ZTE national broadband network scandal is not yet final and will still be revised.

“The report of the committee is just a draft report until it is approved by the whole Senate. So it will still be debated, amended and approved before you can say it is the final, official report,” he said.

The committee, headed by Sen. Richard Gordon, has recommended the filing of graft charges against First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo and several government officials for their alleged involvement in the anomalous $329-million broadband deal.

The report also recommended a deeper investigation on the role of President Arroyo in the approval of the controversial contract.

Several senators, however, disagree with the recommendation to prosecute whistleblowers former government consultant Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada, and businessman Jose “Joey” de Venecia III because it will discourage future witnesses from testifying in legislative inquiries.

Pimentel said the whistleblowers should be treated as state witnesses.

“It is not correct to treat them in the same category as the personalities who conspired to pursue the $329-million NBN-ZTE contract that was found to be grossly overpriced and manifestly disadvantageous to the government. In my view, they should be treated as state witnesses,” he said.