Tuesday, October 02, 2007 Pimentel: Abalos resignation proves he's made sacrificial lamb By Ben O. Tesiorna
THE surprise resignation of Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. amid his alleged involvement in the controversial national broadband network (NBN) deal between the government and ZTE Corporation is good for the country.
"It's good for the nation. Now we should fix liability of ZTE, if any, and Abalos' seven other criminal complicities in the anomalous deal," Senator Aquilino Pimentel said.
Abalos announced his resignation Monday in a press conference in his residence in Mandaluyong City.
The senator said Abalos' resignation just proved his suspicion that the Comelec chair was made a sacrificial lamb.
"As I predicted, Abalos is the sacrificial lamb to deflect public suspicion from GMA (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) connection to corrupt ZTE deal. But I see more big heads to roll following his (Abalos) fall. It's inevitable," Pimentel said.
Davao del Norte Representative Anton Lagdameo, for his part, urged the public to respect Abalos's decision.
Lagdameo said with Abalos's resignation, he can now focus on clearing his name brought about by the controversy.
"It was his choice and let us respect him for it. Maybe all these controversies were already affecting his ability to do his job properly. At least now he can focus and devote more time clearing his name. I wish him good luck," he said.
