Pimentel pushes probe into alleged financial abuse by Senate witnesses

MANILA, Philippines - An opposition senator has sought an investigation into allegations of "financial abuse" by certain witnesses being secured by the Senate for its ongoing investigations. Radio dzBB's Nimfa Ravelo reported that Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr is pushing for a probe into the supposed "wanton misuse" of Senate funds to maintain its witnesses, citing reports that some of the witnesses had racked up relatively expensive bills for food and other items. "If we are going to allow such wanton misuse of the money of the Senate intended for a good purpose but being misused, we have to account for that to our people," Pimentel said. Pimentel cited reports that P2 million had already been spent so far for security arrangements for engineer Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr and Dante Madriaga. Lozada and Madriaga, witnesses in the $329.48-million ZTE broadband network deal mess, both testified on irregularities including kickbacks in the deal. Pimentel said he wants to find out if Senate funds were used for expenses other than security, such as food or travel. Lozada's camp had said his other expenses, including travel, were paid for using funds raised by nuns. Earlier, pro-administration senator Juan Ponce Enrile sought to remove Lozada's security after learning of the expenses involved. However, senators including Sen. Panfilo Lacson opposed the idea, saying the witnesses deserve security for exposing wrongdoing. - GMANews.TV