NBN-ZTE 'telenovela' ending

The "telenovela" on the controversy about the $329-million NBN-ZTE deal is nearing its end, said Dr.Anthony Golez, currently deputy presidential spokesperson, in a press conference at the airport Wednesday morning.

NBN-ZTE would set up a nationwide computer and telecom network linking National Government agencies, state corporations and financial institutions, local governments down to 5th and 6th class municipalities, and 23 barangay internet centers.

It cost $329-million but President Arroyo cancelled the deal on October 2, 2007 due to allegations of overpricing.

But Lozada and the younger De Venecia said there was bribery happening in the deal.

Both accused former Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. and First Gentleman Mike Arroyo as the ones who benefited from the bribery.

Both, however, denied the allegations.

"It's already hurting the country and we are now losing our focus. Supposedly, what we need to do right now is to focus on how to do things in order to avert the unprecedented increases of fuel and rice prices," he also stressed.

Golez, meanwhile, refused to answer the question on whether President Arroyo is guilty or not guilty in the controversy.

"Let's ask the 19 million Filipino people. But one thing I am sure is that when we bring this matter in court, I know that the real truth will come out later- and that's the truth we're longing for because only the court has the technical expertise to handle such expose' and not the Senate," Golez added.

[Jane Abao]

Fair and square.

Is President Arroyo guilty or not guilty in the controversy?

Let us ask the 19 million Filipino people

[Jona]

Jane Abao wrote:

Fair and square.
Is President Arroyo guilty or not guilty in the controversy?
Let us ask the 19 million Filipino people

Jane: Bakit 19 Million lang? In fairnes, Why not the entire Philippines.

If Gloria Arroyo, Don't have anything to hide by all means why can she provide the senate all relevant document so that the truth will come out.

why she always use her power to suppress the truth if she don't have anything to hide. Let her take a LIE DETICTOR Let see if she pass! I'll guarantee you she will not pass. Because she already proven to the filipino people she is the number one LIAR!

But in fairness let her probe her innocent if she had any! As we already know she is guilty to the bones! Not atleast you already forget all these BAG'S HANDING OUT TO HER CRONIES IN MALACANYANG PALACE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU CALL THAT IF IS NOT BRIBERY!!!

Have a nice day!(*.*)

[Gloria kawatan]

Jane Abao wrote:

Fair and square.
Is President Arroyo guilty or not guilty in the controversy?
Let us ask the 19 million Filipino people

He also said the JMSU can not be divulged to the public since it is a commercial contract.

“Each country is claiming a part of that area. This is a commercial contract,[that is why] you don’t reveal to the public,” said Apostol.
xxxxxxxxx
Dear: Sir! Apostoles!!! The taxespayer's has the right to know the truth. Not atleast you have something to hide, Or you're that STUPID!!!

[Odarav Al-Zakorov]

Philippines has a very weak democratic foundation which is traditionally overshadowed by corruption. That is the sticking truth. I have been saying all along that changing the Philippine corrupt tradition is a very slow process. Honest politicians are yet to be born, then to be educated at new standard, the standard that WE want. Homes, schools, churches, and entire communities provides the sole golden teaching...that corruption is UNACCEPTABLE at any standards. We never experienced in our entire lives a non-corrupt government, I just wish that the younger generations break the tradition. In the 1960's, we were the best in the Southeast Asian Nations, Peso is valued equally to US Dollar. I want to see the Filipino earn a minimum P240.00 per hour (P1,920.00 per 8 hour day work). Sounds unrealistic, but this is what an average Filipino earns per day considering the price of commodities and raising a family of four with only one parent working. Corrupt officials earns twice or trice, or more than the figures I mentioned. Shame on all of them.

[Erap Pa Rin]

Odarav Al-Zakorov wrote:

Philippines has a very weak democratic foundation which is traditionally overshadowed by corruption. That is the sticking truth. I have been saying all along that changing the Philippine corrupt tradition is a very slow process. Honest politicians are yet to be born, then to be educated at new standard, the standard that WE want. Homes, schools, churches, and entire communities provides the sole golden teaching...that corruption is UNACCEPTABLE at any standards. We never experienced in our entire lives a non-corrupt government, I just wish that the younger generations break the tradition. In the 1960's, we were the best in the Southeast Asian Nations, Peso is valued equally to US Dollar. I want to see the Filipino earn a minimum P240.00 per hour (P1,920.00 per 8 hour day work). Sounds unrealistic, but this is what an average Filipino earns per day considering the price of commodities and raising a family of four with only one parent working. Corrupt officials earns twice or trice, or more than the figures I mentioned. Shame on all of them.

==========
No matter how you look at it. Erap, Was right!
==========

Erap pointed to corruption as the main reason for the failure of GMA’s anti-poverty programs. He said:“The connection between worsening poverty and worsening corruption is not difficult to trace. Poverty is widespread because funds to fight poverty especially in the countryside have either been stolen or divided, as in the case of the fertilizer scam. Even rice for school feeding programs has been diverted.

“Instead of strengthening resources for poverty fighting programs, the government has embarked on expensive long-term mega projects such as the ZTE-National Broadband Network, the Cyber Education project, the so-called Cyber-Corridor and the growth quadrangle projects.

“All told, these projects have only resulted in the exponential growth of corruption without benefiting the poor at all.” he concluded his speech with following conclusion:“It is the duty of the government to deliver our country and our people from strife, from penury, from violence, and most of all, from poverty. If it fails in these then it has lost all moral authority to govern and to stay in power.”

[James Dean]

Erap Pa Rin wrote:

<quoted text>
==========
No matter how you look at it. Erap, Was right!
==========
Erap pointed to corruption as the main reason for the failure of GMA’s anti-poverty programs. He said:“The connection between worsening poverty and worsening corruption is not difficult to trace. Poverty is widespread because funds to fight poverty especially in the countryside have either been stolen or divided, as in the case of the fertilizer scam. Even rice for school feeding programs has been diverted.
“Instead of strengthening resources for poverty fighting programs, the government has embarked on expensive long-term mega projects such as the ZTE-National Broadband Network, the Cyber Education project, the so-called Cyber-Corridor and the growth quadrangle projects.
“All told, these projects have only resulted in the exponential growth of corruption without benefiting the poor at all.” he concluded his speech with following conclusion:“It is the duty of the government to deliver our country and our people from strife, from penury, from violence, and most of all, from poverty. If it fails in these then it has lost all moral authority to govern and to stay in power.”

Sorry 'kabayan', but I believe that Erap has no more credibility to discuss about government corruption, or poverty, or morality, or even how to run a government.

He's a pardoned convict for God's sake! And he was proclaimed guilty by final judgment of a crime involving government corruption and moral turpitude.

He had his chance to run the government, and he blew it. Best thing for him to do now is retire in his politicking and perhaps, go back to showbiz.

[Jane Abao]

James Dean wrote:

<quoted text>
Sorry 'kabayan', but I believe that Erap has no more credibility to discuss about government corruption, or poverty, or morality, or even how to run a government.
He's a pardoned convict for God's sake! And he was proclaimed guilty by final judgment of a crime involving government corruption and moral turpitude.
He had his chance to run the government, and he blew it. Best thing for him to do now is retire in his politicking and perhaps, go back to showbiz.

Right! Quit talking about Erap. Let him go quietly into his private-citizen life. It's time to talk about the president of the land. Is she doing good?

[Yuck Fuo]

Jane Abao wrote:

<quoted text>
Right! Quit talking about Erap. Let him go quietly into his private-citizen life. It's time to talk about the president of the land. Is she doing good?

Well, about Gloria... ask guilt or innocence from 19 million filipinos? My God, it becomes a mob... no, a revolution! We don't have to ask them...

Back to him, it only took 3 judges to proclaim Erap guilty, but about 200 documents and 80 witnesses to prosecute and convict him of Plunder!

Gloria, 19 million judges,a few witnesses, zero documents... a publicly-known-to-be-a-politic ized Senate with neither authority nor credibility to cast judgment on anyone... horrible situation, it can really break a country.

[Joe]

Gloria kawatan wrote:

<quoted text>
He also said the JMSU can not be divulged to the public since it is a commercial contract.
“Each country is claiming a part of that area. This is a commercial contract,[that is why] you don’t reveal to the public,” said Apostol.
xxxxxxxxx
Dear: Sir! Apostoles!!! The taxespayer's has the right to know the truth. Not atleast you have something to hide, Or you're that STUPID!!!

Most of the tax payers are like you and do not have a clue about understanding the complexities concerning commercial contracts. This is just another example of a group of misguided people on a mission to undermine any kind of progress.You are part of that group

[Joe]

James Dean wrote:

<quoted text>
Sorry 'kabayan', but I believe that Erap has no more credibility to discuss about government corruption, or poverty, or morality, or even how to run a government.
He's a pardoned convict for God's sake! And he was proclaimed guilty by final judgment of a crime involving government corruption and moral turpitude.
He had his chance to run the government, and he blew it. Best thing for him to do now is retire in his politicking and perhaps, go back to showbiz.

He is on the same level as Eliot Spitzer. Hypocrisy at its finest. As is the case with most of those people singing from the mountain tops, they are often more corrupt

[Joe]

Erap Pa Rin wrote:

<quoted text>
==========
No matter how you look at it. Erap, Was right!
==========
Erap pointed to corruption as the main reason for the failure of GMA’s anti-poverty programs. He said:“The connection between worsening poverty and worsening corruption is not difficult to trace. Poverty is widespread because funds to fight poverty especially in the countryside have either been stolen or divided, as in the case of the fertilizer scam. Even rice for school feeding programs has been diverted.
“Instead of strengthening resources for poverty fighting programs, the government has embarked on expensive long-term mega projects such as the ZTE-National Broadband Network, the Cyber Education project, the so-called Cyber-Corridor and the growth quadrangle projects.
“All told, these projects have only resulted in the exponential growth of corruption without benefiting the poor at all.” he concluded his speech with following conclusion:“It is the duty of the government to deliver our country and our people from strife, from penury, from violence, and most of all, from poverty. If it fails in these then it has lost all moral authority to govern and to stay in power.”

Please study economics before you qoute anything from Erap. He as well as so many others do not have idea what it takes. While the rest fo the world moves forward at a fevor pitch we run around in circles unable to complete the most basic of projects.

[Joe]

Odarav Al-Zakorov wrote:

Philippines has a very weak democratic foundation which is traditionally overshadowed by corruption. That is the sticking truth. I have been saying all along that changing the Philippine corrupt tradition is a very slow process. Honest politicians are yet to be born, then to be educated at new standard, the standard that WE want. Homes, schools, churches, and entire communities provides the sole golden teaching...that corruption is UNACCEPTABLE at any standards. We never experienced in our entire lives a non-corrupt government, I just wish that the younger generations break the tradition. In the 1960's, we were the best in the Southeast Asian Nations, Peso is valued equally to US Dollar. I want to see the Filipino earn a minimum P240.00 per hour (P1,920.00 per 8 hour day work). Sounds unrealistic, but this is what an average Filipino earns per day considering the price of commodities and raising a family of four with only one parent working. Corrupt officials earns twice or trice, or more than the figures I mentioned. Shame on all of them.

No corruption the world...that is a big fantasy. We would be better of asking Spitzers girlfriend to fufil that fantasy that wating time thinking its goign to go away. Lets focus on other things. It is our national pastime to point our finger at corruption every where instead of getting our fingers dirty and getting down to business

[javi not of philippine]

hey jackass that has nuthn to do with the preseident ,thats has to do with the banks,jeeeeeeezz and you think you know wut u talking about,although i am not affected by it you dont see me asskissing the banks or the arroyo's , unlike here we have joe the asskisser still being the first to pull his pants down for the arroyo's ,everyone see's who side your on joe you have proven your point now assume tha position for the arroyo's ohtay,let them violate you ,we having fun watching while we seek the truth on her DirtyDeeds

[Yinok]

Jane Abao wrote:

<quoted text>
Right! Quit talking about Erap. Let him go quietly into his private-citizen life. It's time to talk about the president of the land. Is she doing good?

Jane: Are you asking about the FAKE PRESIDENT GLORIA ARROYO, Right?! If so, NO! she is not. Because only in her stolen administration that the Philippines has been tag as the number one corrupt in the world. Because with all the corruption she's been doing alone with her MAFIA! And we all knew it. Why do you think she don't want to give up her stolen power because there is plenty of money to be made while squatting in Malacanyang Palace. She is not stupid! If the filipino people really want to get rid of her they have to drag her out. If not CIVIL WAR!!!

[Yinok]

James Dean wrote:

<quoted text>
Sorry 'kabayan', but I believe that Erap has no more credibility to discuss about government corruption, or poverty, or morality, or even how to run a government.
He's a pardoned convict for God's sake! And he was proclaimed guilty by final judgment of a crime involving government corruption and moral turpitude.
He had his chance to run the government, and he blew it. Best thing for him to do now is retire in his politicking and perhaps, go back to showbiz.

Hello, Pogi! Just to let you know that Erap didn't rob the government coffer. Its true he was convicted with plunder on juenting money, Juenting money is not government money but gambling money. If you don't believe me check all the document's because the truth is there for everyone to see.

The only reason Erap what convicted with plunder because that is the only way they can protect Gloria Arroyo, From her stolen power!

[Odarav Al-Zakorov]

Philippines will be better off with Capitan del Barrio running the government. They are less exposed to big time corruption and of course has less tendency of corrupting the government. I just wonder what subjects presidential advisers majored in college. Anyone?

[PROUD FILIPINA]

WHEN WE WORK EVERYDAY AND FIND NO TIME IN OBVIOUS POLITICAL AND PERSONALITY DRIVEN RALLIES- DOES THAT MEAN WE ARE EVIL??
WHEN WE SAY -- LET'S WAIT FOR 2010 & CHOOSE -- DOES THAT MEAN WE ARE BRIBED??
WHEN WE ASK -- WHO WILL REPLACE HER-- DOES THAT MEAN WE ARE STUPID??
When we ask for SOBRIETY, does that mean we are ignorant??
I am speaking out to my fellow Filipinos only. Opinions from an agitated sect like those in LA don't matter. Filipinos like me, who ride the jeep everyday. Filipinos WHO WORK EVERYDAY. Filipinos like me na nabubusog sa anim na pisong pancit canton lang.
A silent lower class who don't even own a car but have sensibilities. This is the SILENT majority.

I belong to a silent MAJORITY who don't get easily swayed or are gullible to MEDIA sensationalism.
Edsa One was spontaneous, our free outcry.
Edsa Two was a free decision to right a wrong, to clean up a presidency elected by the gullible masses.
Both instances were free decisions of a thinking majority (there is NO Edsa 3. It was just an unsuccessful riot of a rally.)
When the senate hearing regarding the Velarde accounts were aired, there were no media opinions on what we are to do. We surmised, deduced for ourselves and found each other in Edsa. Instantly.
No personalities forced us. No media made us think twice. Now,we have the press spoon feeding us with allegations after allegations resorting to suggestions of people power.
That is for US to decide. Let the silent majority decide. We are not that gullible. How many coups, rallies and "people powers" were thrown at this present government but to no avail. Coz we the majority are not there. We think and not just react. And we are damn tired of a TV network who still have a pending case of backstabbing another TV network on telling us what to do. We are not that hopeless a nation. We never receive survey forms. How many of you have even seen a survey form? Yet "surveys" after "surveys" readily published in media tell of how hopeless our nation is. If that is true then this government would've been thrown out a long time ago. We are not kids who easily believe in half truths and hearsays. Media has been successful in just one thing: make a fad of Gloria bashing. If you're not a loud Gloria bashing person, then you're out. Sorry but we don't wanna join a fad to be in a fad. Concrete proofs first, a really sunk economy and the death of democracy..then you will see us, the silent Majority out there..the way we did in Edsa 1 and 2. On our own free will. On our own wise decisions NOT dictated by any institution or strident persons!
Now, when we yearn for calmness and say -- LET'S WAIT FOR 2010 & CHOOSE -- DOES THAT MEAN WE ARE BRIBED??

[Joe]

PROUD FILIPINA wrote:

WHEN WE WORK EVERYDAY AND FIND NO TIME IN OBVIOUS POLITICAL AND PERSONALITY DRIVEN RALLIES- DOES THAT MEAN WE ARE EVIL??
WHEN WE SAY -- LET'S WAIT FOR 2010 & CHOOSE -- DOES THAT MEAN WE ARE BRIBED??
WHEN WE ASK -- WHO WILL REPLACE HER-- DOES THAT MEAN WE ARE STUPID??
When we ask for SOBRIETY, does that mean we are ignorant??
I am speaking out to my fellow Filipinos only. Opinions from an agitated sect like those in LA don't matter. Filipinos like me, who ride the jeep everyday. Filipinos WHO WORK EVERYDAY. Filipinos like me na nabubusog sa anim na pisong pancit canton lang.
A silent lower class who don't even own a car but have sensibilities. This is the SILENT majority.
I belong to a silent MAJORITY who don't get easily swayed or are gullible to MEDIA sensationalism.
Edsa One was spontaneous, our free outcry.
Edsa Two was a free decision to right a wrong, to clean up a presidency elected by the gullible masses.
Both instances were free decisions of a thinking majority (there is NO Edsa 3. It was just an unsuccessful riot of a rally.)
When the senate hearing regarding the Velarde accounts were aired, there were no media opinions on what we are to do. We surmised, deduced for ourselves and found each other in Edsa. Instantly.
No personalities forced us. No media made us think twice. Now,we have the press spoon feeding us with allegations after allegations resorting to suggestions of people power.
That is for US to decide. Let the silent majority decide. We are not that gullible. How many coups, rallies and "people powers" were thrown at this present government but to no avail. Coz we the majority are not there. We think and not just react. And we are damn tired of a TV network who still have a pending case of backstabbing another TV network on telling us what to do. We are not that hopeless a nation. We never receive survey forms. How many of you have even seen a survey form? Yet "surveys" after "surveys" readily published in media tell of how hopeless our nation is. If that is true then this government would've been thrown out a long time ago. We are not kids who easily believe in half truths and hearsays. Media has been successful in just one thing: make a fad of Gloria bashing. If you're not a loud Gloria bashing person, then you're out. Sorry but we don't wanna join a fad to be in a fad. Concrete proofs first, a really sunk economy and the death of democracy..then you will see us, the silent Majority out there..the way we did in Edsa 1 and 2. On our own free will. On our own wise decisions NOT dictated by any institution or strident persons!
Now, when we yearn for calmness and say -- LET'S WAIT FOR 2010 & CHOOSE -- DOES THAT MEAN WE ARE BRIBED??

It means you have a brain and are willing to use it unlike too many others on here...you go girl

[Joe]

Yinok wrote:

<quoted text>
Hello, Pogi! Just to let you know that Erap didn't rob the government coffer. Its true he was convicted with plunder on juenting money, Juenting money is not government money but gambling money. If you don't believe me check all the document's because the truth is there for everyone to see.
The only reason Erap what convicted with plunder because that is the only way they can protect Gloria Arroyo, From her stolen power!

We got rid of him before he could finish. He needs to join Spitzers gang of moral authority

[javi not of philippine]

arroyos cronnies i see, i talk about money she has not accounted for and u attack me , you really got you priorities wrong ... and since you not a child suffering your world is ohtay huh ?