Arroyo orders cyber-ed 'shielded' from ‘unnecessary controversy’

After the national broadband network deal with China’s ZTE Corp. has been scrapped, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered Saturday night the "protection" of the Cyber-Education deal from "unnecessary controversy." In an arrival statement she delivered upon returning from China and India, Mrs Arroyo ordered the oversight panel headed by Trade Secretary Peter Favila to work out the details. "The oversight panel headed by Peter Favila, and this includes the private sector, should now begin working out procedures to protect the cyber-education project from unnecessary controversy so world-class ICT (information and communications technology) would reach fourth- to sixth-class municipalities and reach our schools," she said upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Her order came two days after the Senate scheduled for October 25 its next hearing on the broadband deal, with First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo being invited to the hearing. Questions had been raised about alleged irregularities surrounding the Cyber-Education project following allegations of bribery and intimidation surrounding the NBN project. China’s ZTE Corp won the contract for the NBN project but this later junked due to growing political noise. Mrs Arroyo said she was "disappointed" that the NBN project was not continued, insisting it would bring P3 billion a year in savings from government broadband use. Still, she said the Philippines is grateful that China remains committed to "“confident, mature and comprehensive relations" despite her decision not to push through with the NBN deal. "We believe we have further strengthened our robust ties with China by clarifying recent developments related to the massive Chinese assistance for our infrastructure program," Mrs Arroyo said. She said China remained committed to the diplomatic ties between Manila and Beijing. "We have asked for China’s understanding on our decision not to continue the NBN project and they gave their understanding," she said. On the other hand, Mrs Arroyo ordered Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza to discuss with private telecommunications companies how government can cut its phone and online expenses so it can spend more on programs and projects. She also urged anew private telecommunication companies to fill the gap in telecommunications facilities and services, especially in depressed areas. "Whether the government or the private sector we must invest in digital infrastructure to link the entire country all the way to the poorest villages," she said. - GMANews.TV