Sandigan warns to junk De Venecia’s testimony on NBN-ZTE graft case

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan warn-ed yesterday Jose “Joey” de Venecia III that his testimony against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on the national broadband network (NBN) deal graft case will be stricken off the trial records if he fails to show up again next month for cross-examination.

The son of former speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., who blew the whistle on the alleged anomalous contract, was absent in yesterday’s hearing at the anti-graft court.

Defense counsels Gabriel Villareal, representing Mrs. Arroyo, and Ruy Rondain, representing former first gentlemen Jose Miguel Arroyo, asked the Sandiganbayan to disregard De Venecia’s entire testimony if he will not be subjected to cross-examination.

De Venecia’s absence on a scheduled hearing on the excuse that he is out of the country on business was an affront to the Sandiganbayan, they added.

Rondain said De Venecia’s absence is tainted with malice since he had agreed to attend yesterday’s hearing.

Acting on the motions, Sandiganbayan Fourth  Division Chairman Gregory Ong and the other justices had decided to give the prosecution witness another chance to appear before the anti-graft court on March 17 and 18 for cross-examination.

Former elections chairman Benjamin Abalos and former transportation secretary Leandro Mendoza are also respondents in the graft case for their alleged involvement in the botched $329-million NBN project in 2007. Mendoza has since died.

During his direct examination, De Venecia merely repeated his earlier claim that Mr. Arroyo told him to withdraw his proposal on the broadband project during a chance meeting in Mandaluyong City.

In 2011, the  Senate Blue Ribbon committee recommended that De Venecia and his father be indicted for graft for involvement in the alleged anomaly, but they were never charged.