Persons cited in the Senate hearings on the ZTE controversy

NAME

WHO HE IS

HOW HE IS INVOLVED(BASED ON LOZADA'S TESTIMONY)

Lito Atienza
DENR Secretary

• As the secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Atienza is Lozada's superior. Lozada was the president of Philippine Forest Corporation, which is under the DENR.
• Atienza is a staunch ally of President Arroyo. When the Liberal Party split up in 2005 over the Hello Garci controversy, Atienza's wing remained supportive of the administration while the faction of Senate President Franklin Drilon called for the President's resignation.
• President Arroyo appointed Atienza as environment secretary shortly after his three-term reign as Manila mayor ended in 2007.

• In his February 8, 2008 testimony, Lozada told the Senate that he disclosed everything he knows about the NBN-ZTE controversy to DENR Sec. Lito Atienza. Lozada quoted Atienza's reaction: "Pag kinwento mo sa publiko ito, magagalit sila. Ibibigay mo 'tong gobyernong ito sa oposisyon.
• Lozada said that Atienza called him up in Hong Kong and advised him to come home earlier than the expected date, and to take a flight when there are only few people around. Atienza also informed him that the Immigration will not hold him (Lozada).
• While Lozada was in the custody of the men who picked him up from the airport, Atienza allegedly told Lozada to "relax"-- "Jun, huwag kang mag-alala. Relax ka lang. Mga tao natin yan."

Manuel Huberto B. Gaite
Deputy executive secretary for legal affairs

• Gaite's job as deputy executive secretary for legal affairs entails assisting the executive secretary on matters referring to attendance in Senate hearings. He also assists some cabinet members with respect to issues concerning executive privilege.

• Lozada said that Gaite's people, finding no legal remedy to stop the Senate from getting to him (Lozada), arranged for him to leave the country and to stay in Hong Kong.
• Lozada said Gaite gave him P500,000 to spend for his expenses in Hong Kong. The money was given to Lozada's brother, who turned it over to Lozada's wife.

S/Supt. Paul Mascariñas
Deputy Director of the Police Security and Protection Office of PNP

• According to Lozada, Mascariñas asked him and his sister to sign letters requesting the PNP for security.

Atty. Antonio Bautista

• Bautista represented Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol and Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita in defending the constitutionality of the Visiting Forces Agreement, in light of the Subic Rape Case
• Bautista used to be a law partner at the Ponce Enrile Reyes & Manalastas Law Office (PECABAR); he has been practicing law for 50 years

• Lozada said Atty. Bautista prepared his affidavit and made him sign it even if he (Lozada) expressed some reservations about it contents.
• Lozada said Atty. Bautista told him to "just sign it... para na rin sa comfort ng Malacañang yan."

Mike Defensor

• Defensor ran under the administration ticket in the 2007 senatorial race but lost.
• Defensor was presidential chief of staff when he resigned to run as senator in the 2007 elections.
• Defensor was elected Director of Petron Corporation effective November 7, 2007 -- less than a year after the elections. He was nominated by the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC).
• Defensor was appointed as head of NAIA 3 Task Force on June 2008. He resigned in September 2008.
• Defensor was appointed as (acting) chairman of the Philippine National Railways in October 2008.

• Lozada said Defensor is his friend.
• Lozada claimed that the press conference he held on February 7, 2008 was Defensor's idea; Defensor also gave him P50,000 "panggastos-gastos".