Malacanang’s attacks on Lozada to spur more protests

News Release
February 11, 2008

As the Senate investigation into the ZTE-NBN deal resumed today, the umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan today condemned “Malacañang’s arrogant display of power as it uses its entire machinery to destroy Jun Lozada.” Bayan forces again gathered in front of the Senate to hold a protest action while the hearing transpired inside.

“Malacañang is using bribery, coercion and legal threats to destroy the person of Jun Lozada. Malacañang officials are ganging up on Lozada, taking turns in destroying his credibility and weakening his resolve. These tactics will only incite more protests against the Arroyo administration,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

“We reiterate our support for Lozada and his statements on the ZTE deal. He is currently on the receiving end of vicious attacks from the administration. However, the arrogance of Malacañang will not go unnoticed. It will surely fuel more public outrage,” Reyes added.

Former Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos has threatened to file a P200 million against Lozada after the latter implicated Abalos in the ZTE scandal. Other Malacañang officials, including cabinet secretaries and police officials have taken turns in disputing the statements of Lozada.

“Malacañang even believes that it can manipulate the media. Lozada himself claimed that huge amounts of money will be spent to massage the media. That is how overconfident this government is. It believes it can buy anyone, including the media,” Reyes said.

Bayan believes that the people will get some payback during the Senate investigations since top government officials are set to be grilled in the inquiry.

“The people want these lying officials to be place in the hot seat so that their lies will finally be unmasked. We hope they do not invoke executive privilege when they face the Senate,” Reyes said.

Bayan said that protest actions are being readied in schools, communities, factories and other areas of concentration. “The Senate hearings are providing valuable education to the public. This will contribute to the momentum of the protest actions. It won’t be long before we see big demonstrations again, almost similar to the protests in the wake of the Garci tapes,” Reyes said

“Various groups are discussing the current situation, intent on finding a solution to the political crisis long besetting the country,” he added.