Change group hits delay of report: BLUE RIBBON REPORT Confirms stink of NBN-ZTE deal but fails to probe deeper GMA liability

"The findings of the Blue Ribbon Committee only confirm the stink of the NBN-ZTE deal, that bribery indeed took place; these can serve as additional evidence to go after the masterminds and the big culprits behind the multimillion dollar scam," said Pagbabago Spokesperson Fr. Joe Dizon.

However Pagbabago criticized the undue delay of the report. “The question is whether the report would effect prosecution of the liable parties, especially of the First Couple who were already let off the hook by the Office of the Ombudsman,” Fr. Dizon said.

Pagbabago pointed out that the report also failed to probe deeper into Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s role, given the fact that Malacañang clearly prevented Sec. Romulo Neri from giving further testimony in the Senate that would have implicated the First Couple, with the Supreme Court upholding the gag.

“The Ombudsman already immunized Gloria Arroyo from criminal suits; it already cleared FG of any criminal liability. I don’t think the report would change that unless the Ombudsman herself is impeached,” said Fr. Dizon.

He added that “Malacañang could simply ride out whatever renewed controversy the report could generate while the whistleblower Jun Lozada faces charges anew.”

Pagbabago Co-Chairperson Mother Mary John Mananzan for her part said that filing graft charges against Engr. Jun Lozada is ridiculous.

“To recommend graft charges against Jun Lozada when he is the one who exposed the whole anomaly in the NBN-ZTE deal is unjust and downright cruel,” said Mo. Mary John Mananzan.
Pagbabago vowed to pursue charges against the First Couple even beyond the Presidential elections in 2010.

“Our quest for justice does not end with the report. We have a strong resolve to make sure Gloria Arroyo won’t stay in power beyond 2010, and that she will be persecuted for the plunder of the nation’s coffers,” said Fr. Dizon.#