Challenge for debate hangs
Atty. Salvador Panelo answers questions from Cora Paniergo
(right) and Bing-bing Josue, hosts of local television talkshow
"PaniudTALK" aired over IBC-TV 12.
Former government official turned number one government critic Rodolfo Noel "Jun" Lozada continues with his provincial sorties following the marathon rounds made here in Iloilo and Bacolod.
As such, expect noted lawyer Salvador Panelo, counsel of former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos not far behind. The duo perked up the city Friday, Lozada in the company of militant groups and local personalities mostly identified with Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson and former President Joseph Estrada. Panelo on the other hand came almost unnoticed until spotted in the airport by Ilonggo reporters present.
Lozada's persistent claim thereafter was that he has the truth yet quickly rebuffed by Panelo in a series of interviews with members of the local media.
"He said he is here for the truth? Well I am here as well to refute his lies," Panelo retorted. And while at it, "expose his claims for what it is – pure lies. He is so good at lying that he would even beat the lie detector machine."
Lozada can't be allowed to do all that, Panelo asserted, reason why he makes sure that where Lozada goes, he goes as well.
"You see when lies are allowed to be repeated often, there now comes the tinge of truth. He has been very unfair to my client and to a lot of people in government," Panelo added.
And to further assert his point, Panelo issued anew the challenge for a public debate – "Lozada's truth" over the "actual truth," he said.
First aired over Bombo Radyo Iloilo, Panelo called on Lozada to accept his longstanding invite.
"Let us make it happen here in Iloilo," came Panelo's challenge yet the Iloilo Lozada-sojourn ended with no debate happening. For Panelo, it would just mean yet another call to another province.
"Lozada's claims of government kickbacks and commission, if you look at the facts present, it certainly defies logic. Imagine him saying my client is out to get a commission of $130 million for a government project worth $220 million. Then he also said that the First Gentleman is also insisting for $70 million for himself. Where is the sense in all these?" he added.
And how about Lozada as the country's modern-day hero?
"Lozada a hero? Have you seen a hero who admits under oath to committing graft and corruption?," came the immediate reply of Panelo. Said lawyer was referring to the admission of Lozada in the Senate when confronted with documents on questionable government dealings.