Filtered By: Topstories
News

Lozada transferred to Manila jail


MANILA, Philippines - Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., a key witness in an alleged anomalous government transaction with a Chinese firm, has been transferred to the Manila Police District Integrated Jail. Lozada, arrested last April 29 over a perjury case, was transferred at about 3:20 p.m. Monday by joint operatives of the MPD-Warrant and Subpoena Section. The perjury case was filed by former presidential chief of staff Michael "Mike" Defensor. In a written statement, Lozada scored the Arroyo administration for allegedly prosecuting him for "telling the truth." "I did not know that telling the truth under this administration is a heinous crime. Lies and plunder are virtues in our country," he said. The statement was read to the media by Sis. Estrella Castallone, one of the nuns that have been supporting Lozada ever since his arrest. The nuns were barred by policemen to enter the jail. Lozada, in the same statement, said he shares the cell with "high-profile bank robbers, murderers, and drug dealers." Lozada was the one who implicated former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. in the $329-million national broadband deal between the government and China’s Zhong Xing Telecommunication Equipment (ZTE) Corp. MPD officer-in-charge Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay said the transfer was regular procedure because Lozada's custodial room at the MPD Warrant and Subpoena Section was only temporary.   “This is to prove that we're not giving special treatment to Mister Lozada because we received several text messages complaining that we are imposing special treatment on Lozada for not detaining him inside the jail," he said.   Leah Navarro, head of the Black and White Movement, said they are worried about Lozada's safety. She said they would put up a collection outpost outside the MPD headquarters to collect the P6, 000 bail that Lozada refused to post. - GMANews.TV
LOADING CONTENT