Lozada expects more 'harassment suits'
Students of University of San Agustin pose with
NBN-ZTE whistle blower Jun Lozada during the
latter's visit to the university last week.
Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., principal witness to the controversial $329-million national broadband network deal, said his detractors are set to accuse him of stashing huge amounts of money in several bank accounts as part of Administration efforts to discredit him.
Lozada himself made the revelation during a press conference at the De Paul College following a forum attended by at least 1,000 persons Friday morning last week.
The revelation follows the filing of graft and nepotism charges against Lozada by a women's group.
These charges, he said, are still part of the harassment by the Administration against him for implicating President Arroyo and First Gentleman Miguel Arroyo in the controversy hounding the $329-million broadband deal clinched by Chinese firm ZTE Corporation.
"I've been expecting these harassment suits. These are just part of the harassment against me. I'm ready to face these suits," Lozada said. "I hope they are also ready to face charges."
"When you hold up the torch, the first thing that will be seen are your mistakes," he added.
Lawyer Neri Colmenares, Lozada's counsel, said that the legal team is ready to face the charges head on.
We are confident that we can prove that our client is innocent, Colmenares said. At the same time, Lozada's lawyers have already asked the Supreme Court to issue a Writ of Amparo to protect him against harassment suits, Colmenares said.
During the press conference, Lozada revealed that his detractors are doctoring documents to show that he has big amounts of money deposited in banks.
"You know, documents to destroy somebody abound. But documents that would tell the truth are suppressed, contracts are hidden," he said.
If indeed there are fat bank accounts in my name, I promise that I will donate these to the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines, Lozada vowed. Before coming out with his expose on the multi-million dollar deal, Lozada sought refuge with the AMRSP.
"The only one left not facing a charge is our dog," he said during the forum at the college's covered gym.
Of the many persons implicated in the aborted deal, Lozada wondered aloud, not one has yet been charged for graft.
Lozada's visit to Iloilo City was his first trip where he had to take the plane.
"Luckily I didn't get lost in the airport of Iloilo," he joked, apparently comparing it with what he claims was an aborted attempt by the Administration to kidnap and silence him after arriving from Hong Kong last month.
Iloilo City is a known administration bailiwick. Justice Sec. Raul Gonzalez, a staunch defender of President Arroyo, hails from Iloilo City. His son, Raul Jr., is the City's representative for the lone district. Mayor Jerry Treñas is the president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, a group of local chief executives who have pledged support for Mrs. Arroyo.
On his way to the University of San Agustin from the airport, Lozada saw streamers showing support for President Arroyo.
Nonetheless, Lozada said that he still felt welcomed on his visit to the City.
Students, mostly from Catholic schools, mobbed him and had their pictures taken with Lozada.
The Alliance for Truth and Justice, organizers or Lozada's visit to the City, held a march from the University of San Agustin to the De Paul College.
Lozada apologized for not joining the walk.
"Pasensya na medyo na low batt ako," he said.