Ombudsman subpoenas Mike Arroyo, 4 others in ZTE mess - report

First gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike" Arroyo led an initial batch of five personalities subpoenaed by the Ombudsman to explain their side on the $329.48-million ZTE broadband deal mess. Radio reports said the five were ordered to appear on February 19 to air their side on the controversial deal. Also summoned for questioning were Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Romulo Neri, former Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr, his son Jose III, and former poll chairman Benjamin Abalos. The report said the Ombudsman also subpoenaed complainants who included former vice president Teofisto Guingona Jr, lawyer Harry Roque Jr, "impeachment lawyers" Roberto Rafael Pulido, Ma Dominga Padilla, Roel Garcia, Bebu Bulchand, Fr. Jose Dizon and party-list Representatives Joel Villanueva and Ana Theresia Hontiveros-Baraquel. But Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez did not issue a subpoena for ZTE witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr, saying her office is still waiting for transcripts of his testimonies at the Senate. The Justice department subpoenaed Neri and Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza for its preliminary hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 19. - GMANews.TV