Suplico: New witness to drag Arroyo in ZTE deal scandal

MANILA, Philippines - After disclosing the "existence" of a new witness and new evidence linking President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the $329.48-million ZTE national broadband network deal mess, Iloilo Vice Governor Rolex Suplico on Wednesday said he has taken steps to secure the witness and present him before the Senate. This was a welcome move for ZTE deal probe witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr who shelved plans to go abroad, saying the new witness may hold a key piece of the ZTE puzzle that will enable the public to find the truth in the controversial deal. In a radio interview, Suplico said he will write a letter to Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Alan Peter Cayetano to accommodate the new witness, whom he described as a government employee. "Luluwas ako itong linggo, susulatan ko ang chairman ng Blue Ribbon Committee. Tatanungin ko kung pwede itanong sa Malacañang kung bumiyahe ang presidente doon (I will be in Metro Manila this week, and I will write to the chairman of the Blue Ribbon committee about it. I will also ask the Blue Ribbon Committee to ask Malacañang if the president indeed went there)," Suplico said in an interview on dzXL radio. Suplico was referring to a supposed side trip by President Arroyo and First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, China on Nov. 2, 2006. The archives on the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) website showed stories of Mrs Arroyo in Hong Kong on Nov. 1 and 2, 2006. Quoting the witness he identified only as "Alex," Suplico said the side trip included a visit to ZTE offices in China by the Arroyo couple with then-Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos. The new witness took photos of the First Couple supposedly in Shenzhen. "Sikreto ang ibang picture na nakuha. Later on di akalain nahagip ang presidente (It was a stolen shot because her security prohibited picture taking. Alex did not realize the implications of his photo until later on)," Suplico said. He added it was only lately that "Alex" recognized the ZTE building. Suplico also said "Alex" came out only now because he did not realize the situation at the time. He added "Alex" did not immediately remember taking the photo. Meanwhile, Lozada on Wednesday welcomed the emergence of a new witness in the $329.48-million national broadband network deal mess. "Sana, lagi ko sinasabi na ako yung katotohanan parang larawan kako, binigay ko isang piraso maraming may hawak ng ibang piraso. Sana maibigay para malaman ng taumbayan, ilang piraso lang makikita nila ano ang hitsura (I have always said the truth is like a big picture. Each of us holds a small part of it. I hold only a small part of the truth, and I would welcome someone who holds another part of the truth. Bit by bit we can give the people the full picture)," Lozada said in a separate interview on dzXL radio. Lozada also said he is ready to work with the new witness. "Natutuwa ako may lumabas na bagong witness... As long as kailangan ako, lalatag ako ng lalatag (I am happy there is now a new witness. To the best of my ability I will work with him to expose the truth)," he said. In the interview, Lozada said he knew of the supposed side trip of the First Couple with Abalos from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, China in November 2006, but said he was not privy to the details. When asked if that particular visit was the one where Abalos struck a deal with ZTE officials, Lozada said he was not aware. Lozada also admitted that the emergence of the new witness has prompted him to shelve his plans to go abroad with his family, at least for now. He said going abroad had been a last option for him, if things do not improve. "Kaya ko ginawa ito, mahal ko bayan ko. Pero kung wala na, I would have to take it (I came out to testify because I love my country. But if there is nothing for me here, I will have to take that last option)," Lozada said. "Ayokong maging ganito habang buhay (I cannot stay like this forever)... Should I reach that decision I will do it for the children and my wife," he added, referring to the option of going abroad. Lozada said his family had suffered so much, even as the government's persecution against him continues. He said agents had been following him, his lawyers, and his former colleagues. Lozada said he is also aware that the Senate, which is securing him, is already stretching its resources, especially since it has to protect other witnesses as well. "Ito ang mga reality na dahan-dahan kailangan ko harapin kasama pamilya ko (These are the realities I and my family have to face)," he said. - GMANews.TV