Statement from the Makati Business Club:

A Call for Accountability and the Pursuit of Truth

8 February 2008 -- We salute Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada Jr. for overcoming his personal fear of the consequences of revealing what he knows about the scandal-ridden National Broadband Network project. He claims that his life was threatened, that he was enticed with assurances of his personal safety and promises of other considerations, and that he was abducted by persons belonging to the state security apparatus.

We salute Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada Jr. for overcoming his personal fear of the consequences of revealing what he knows about the scandal-ridden National Broadband Network project. He claims that his life was threatened, that he was enticed with assurances of his personal safety and promises of other considerations, and that he was abducted by persons belonging to the state security apparatus. Mr. Lozada chose to walk away from the “dark side”—the lies and cover-up regarding the NBN project being peddled by persons connected to this Administration.

If he had been a lesser person, he could have continued to acquiesce and cower in the dark. But having come into the light, he has become a credible witness to the truth. Now that he is being unjustly maligned by government officials and by senators identified with the Administration in their continuing effort to suppress the truth, we express our support for Mr. Lozada and let him know, “Hindi ka nag-iisa!”

We call on DENR Secretary Joselito Atienza and CHED Chairman Romulo Neri to save themselves from further shame by resigning from their positions in government for their respective roles in the attempt to prevent Mr. Lozada from testifying on the ZTE deal at the Senate. Their protection at any cost of the interests of those in power render them unworthy of the people’s trust.

We support the Senate’s continued pursuit of the truth behind the NBN project. We must see to it that those who are revealed to have broken the law, no matter how high up, must be made to account for their transgressions. The long-term political stability and economic prosperity of our country will only be possible if we have leaders with integrity, and institutions that protect and uphold the public trust.

As business people, we cannot console ourselves in the strength of the peso and the mirage of inequitable growth. These are ephemeral gains that have not translated into a better life for most Filipinos. What is being compromised is the moral fabric of our society. It is not a question of guilt; instead, it is a matter of good old-fashioned delicadeza and personal morality.

We call on all Filipinos to proclaim,

“Tama na ang kasinungalingan! Sobra na ang kasakiman! Manindigan na, Bayan!”

CBCP stand is like the cockerels who crow at dawn so that the sun will shine again. Similar to the Nicea Council where Constantine was the protagonist, Gloria prevailed.

If only he shut his mouth and do only what was the right thing for him and his family he wont be hiding hisself at this very moment and is free to roam around..but since he talked, he got nothing in return but fear of his life and the life of his family..and Goyang is still in power hayyyy pinoy!!! when are you going to learn?!!!