Monday, February 25, 2008 Villar meets Erap in Baguio
AMID reports of a mass movement on Monday's commemoration of the People Power uprising in 1986, Senate President Manuel "Manny" Villar Jr. admitted meeting with former president Joseph Estrada at Camp John Hay's The Manor last Friday night.
Nothing political was discussed, however, Villar told Baguio reporters during a briefing.
Villar was responsible for the impeachment trial of Estrada, during his stint as House Speaker when he transmitted with haste a copy of the complaint to the Senate.
Asked if he will join Monday's demonstrations, the senator said he would not join any, adding he does not want to be accused of politicking.
He assured, however, that investigation of the aborted national broadband network (NBN) with China's ZTE Corporation would continue, despite receipt of "comments" from those close to Malacañang to order a stop to the investigation.
"There has to be a conclusion," stressed the lawmaker who added that the Senate would maintain its independence from the executive branch.
Villar said there was no direct order but there were insinuations, which he claimed, were done "on their own".
Some members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) have already been invited to the hearings and 17 policemen have been already been issued subpoenas to appear before the inquiry.
The PSG members and some policemen were identified as those who "snatched" Rodolfo Lozada Jr., the key witness in the Senate hearing on the questionable NBN deal, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) upon his arrival from Hong Kong last February 5.
The blue ribbon, trade and defense committees are investigating the NBN contract on allegations that it is marred by graft that involved First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo and former election chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr.
Contrary to claims of Naia management and National Police Chief Avelino Razon Jr. that they merely secured Lozada, Villar declared circumstances surrounding the witness's arrival, would show otherwise.
"Lozada was kidnapped," he said.
He said the government had plans of stopping Lozada from testifying.
Asked about Lozada's own record of irregularities while with the Philippine Forest Corporation, Villar said he has owned up to them.
But based on the public's reaction, it appears Lozada's testimonies have been believable, added Villar.
After Lozada's testimony, a surprise witness is set to testify on the NBN deal.
Villar refused to give any clues as to who the witness will be, saying he/she might change his/her mind. (RO)
