Eye Opener
Can GMA rescind the ZTE deal
Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, a powerful figure in the Philippines, can stop graft and corruption in her administration if she wants to. For instance, the ZTE broadband multi-million dollar contract with a Chinese corporation. Now that the deal has reportedly stained her administration, with no less than Commission on Elections (Comelec) chair Benjamin Abalos reportedly brokering for the multi-million dollar contract, can she back out?
The President has the option to rescind the transaction by not signing the contract when the document is presented to her for signature. Unless, of course, if her top cabinet officials had received grease money before the contract has been signed. Even if no transfer of grease money has been consummated yet, the promise to give the bribe later gives the transaction an iota of graft considering that the people involved in the snafu are government officials. Yes, GMA can stop the multi-million dollar broadband deal as her signature will be the final authority in releasing the money or finalizing the contract.
Comelec Chairman Abalos has publicly denied that he has reportedly brokered the deal. But the son of Speaker Joe De Venecia insisted otherwise. The controversy which has again shakened GMA's administration is under investigation by the Senate. Many heads will fall once the truth behind this alleged ZTE broadband deal will come to light.
The public is hoping that GMA has no prior knowledge of the controversial deal with the Chinese ZTE broadband officials. This event bears watching in the Senate investigation as to who first initiated the deal and who authorized it? Why did the son of Speaker Joe De Venecia go to the Supreme Court regarding this controversial contract? This is another sensational event next to Erap's conviction of plunder when the truth comes out soon after the Senate investigation.