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| ON THE OTHER HAND |
| Jun Lozada, Reluctant Hero
By Antonio C. Abaya Written on Feb.11, 2008 For the Standard Today, February 12 issue Jun Lozada did not want to be a hero. He did not want to face the Senate committees investigating the sordid ZTE broadband contract. He did not want to reveal what he knew about the massive over-pricing that allegedly attended this transaction. Lozada narrated in his Senate testimony that two days before he left for Hong Kong, he had gone to Environment Secretary Lito Atienza (Lozada�s immediate superior in government) and briefed him (Atienza) on his (Lozada�s) involvement in the ZTE deal. �He (Atienza) told me, �if you come out with this, (the people) will get angry. You will hand this government to the opposition.� But I told him that if I reach the Senate, I might not get a hold of myself, I might not be able to lie,� Lozada said. (Emphasis mine.) So Jun Lozada wanted to avoid appearing in the Senate hearings because he was afraid he �might not be able to lie.� Hence the hurried departure for Hong Kong on the morning that he was supposed to appear in the Senate, the leaked misinformation that he was going to attend a conference in London, the exchange of text messages between him in HK and Atienza and Romulo Neri in Manila, to make sure he will not appear in the Senate, his sudden premature return to Manila, on a flight that that was chosen because it had relatively few passengers, as one of his handlers had specified. And here seems to the tipping point in this controversy. When Lozada returned to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Hong Kong , he had a 180 degree change of heart and mind. He suddenly felt compelled to tell the Senate and the rest of the country what he knew about the ZTE deal. What happened? What happened is that when he was going down the tube from the aircraft to the terminal building, he was accosted by four armed men in civilian clothes and made to go along with them through a restricted security exit to a waiting car and driven around for five hours to as faraway as Los Banos, Laguna. The four armed men who plucked him from the tube did not identify themselves or the organization they represented, nor did they tell him where they were taking him. They merely assured him that they were not going to harm him. All the while, exchanging text and cell phone messages with their superiors in Manila . Sec. Atienza, Gen. Razon, Sec. Ermita, Sec. Puno, and all the Malacanang apologists have vehemently denied that there was any abduction or kidnapping, on the grounds that Lozada did not resist being made to go along with the four unidentified armed men, and had previously asked for security, even as his family waited vainly in the terminal to welcome him back, and the Senate sergeant-at-arms to serve an arrest warrant on him.. Let Atienza, Razon, Ermita, Puno and all the Malacanang apologists undergo the experience of being suddenly pulled away from the airport tube, being made to go along with four armed men who did not identify themselves or their organization, being driven around by them for five hours to as far away as Los Banos, while their families waited for him/them at the terminal to welcome him/them back��.let�s see if they would not scream �Abduction!� or �Kidnapping!� What a bunch of phonies. The trauma of being picked up � even if it is being denied that there was abduction or kidnapping � must have shaken Lozada to the bones. He said he thought of what had happened years ago to publicist Bubby Dacer and Dacer�s driver, who were abducted by armed men and driven to a remote corner in Dasmarinas, Cavite, where they were both shot to death, just before he, Dacer, was about to testify on what he knew about misdeeds in the Estrada government. It was a visibly shaken and traumatized Lozada who appeared at a hastily called press conference at two in the morning at the La Salle Greenhills, Thursday, Feb. 07, during which he claimed, �I guess the trouble started when (Comelec) Chairman (Benjamin) Abalos wanted to protect his $130 million, how shall I put this, commission on the (broadband) project�..� During this presscon, Lozada said Abalos phoned First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, in his (Lozada�s) presence, to complain about Lozada�s stubborn refusal to approve the project on a loan basis, instead of the BOT basis, as had originally been agreed upon. During the Senate hearing later that day, I think it was Sen. Panfilo Lacson who asked Lozada if he knew of other projects in which FG Arroyo was somehow involved. Lozada said that he knew of only two others. He replied that on one occasion he told FG that his (FG�s) name was being mentioned in connection with the South Rail project, but that the FG did not confirm or deny, and merely shrugged his shoulders. The other project was the purchase of x-ray machines for Philippine airports. Lozada said he was invited by FG Arroyo to travel with him to China to look over the x-ray machines. The senator asked, �Pati ba naman sa x-ray machines, nakiki-alam si FG?� Lozada said nothing. This is significant because, as far as I know, the Philippine government or its agencies has/have signed a total of 27 contracts with Chinese agencies or corporations, including the development of 1.25 million hectares of agricultural land, cyber education for the school system, and one million units of social housing, plus the allegedly over-priced North Rail. Unless the ZTE contract is laid to rest with the benediction of angels, many people will conclude, rightly or wrongly, that FG Arroyo was involved in all 27 deals. There are so many details in the testimony of Jun Lozada that it will take months to digest them all, including some pointed references to the �dysfunctional procurement system� of government, that makes supply contracts vulnerable to corruption: the details of a contract are tailor-fit to the specs of a contractor or supplier, not to the needs of the agency that signs the contract. The result is that political appointees, who know nothing of the project, dominate the senior levels of bureaucracy, and career bureaucrats become political mendicants, no longer public servants but servants of political masters. Jun Lozada, a self-effacing but intellectual technical expert who calls himself a �probinsyanong Intsik�, without the social pedigree of Jose de Venecia or the personal fiefdom of Benjamin Abalos, comes out in all this as a man who truly loves his country, and who is genuinely appalled � as millions of Filipinos are - by the official corruption that has sunk this country to the bottom of the cesspool. In trying to avoid becoming a hero, he has reluctantly become one. Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Juan Ponce Enrile � ironically the very same personages who had publicly exhorted the mobs of deposed President Estrada to assault the Malacanang of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in May 2001 � took turns in trying to destroy the credibility of Jun Lozada. Armed with documents undoubtedly supplied by Arroyo�s Malacanang, Sen. Miriam revealed that Lozada, as president of the government-owned Philippine Forest Corp., had engaged in several questionable contracts that were awarded to Lozada�s own relatives or to his own company, without the requisite public bidding.. Lozada admitted it all, �There are things that I have done in my life that have diminished my self-respect. Mea culpa. Whatever self-respect I still have, I would like to keep. I felt that if I had approved the ZTE contract, I would have lost my soul.� Well said, Jun. We believe you. And we love you. ***** Reactions to [email protected]. Other articles in www.tapatt.org and in acabaya.blogspot.com. NOTE: I am not the Tony Abaya who, Luzada said, had brought him to Mrs. Joker Arroyo, who advised him not to testify at the Senate. Just as I was not the Tony Abaya who, according to the spooks in Malacanang, had been coaching Joey de Venecia last year on how to discredit the ZTE Corp. My namesake moves in the corridors of power. I do not. ACA. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Reactions to �Reluctant Hero� �The Heart and Soul of Jun Lozada� Dear Sir, Whether Mr. Lozada is telling the truth or not, God will be the judge of that. However, he has exposed the inner workings of government that everybody knows about but very few are brave enough to divulge for obvious reasons. I am very much alarmed actually about the kind of future we have. As the years go by, the change the government is crowing about in governance is true: for the worse. I am afraid that my son will grow up experiencing the worst kind of avarice and greed for power and wealth. To me, the "kupit" in government or in every aspect of transactions in the country is deeply entrenched and much too difficult to dislodge in the Filipino psyche. It�s just the way it is. If we want things to stay the way they are, then do nothing and be apathetic. However, if we want to put a stop to the 'garapalan', then, I guess we must also do our share. I believe Mr. Lozada is but one of the many intelligent, creative and talented Filipinos who work for government and had to put up with the B.S. in order to eat and live. Doing the opposite would mean becoming a pariah, a non-entity, a trouble-maker (as some rabid supporter of human degeneracy would refer to Mr. Lozada's confession). It is so unfortunate that people at the top failed to recognize the value of Filipino talent and use it to improve the country's predicament. No wonder, many technical people and professionals would opt to live abroad and share their talents where it is appreciated (brain-drain experienced by the country). I am actually Chinoy, born, bred and grew up in this country where my grandparents had chosen as a second home. I did not choose to be here. If I had a choice, I would have wanted to live elsewhere because of what is happening in our country. However, having been educated at UP made me change my mind and I chose to stay and hope for the better (Majority of my batch-mates went abroad to work and live and never came back). I hope Mr. Lozada's decision did not go to waste. I still believe albeit foolishly (as many would think) that things would change for the better. At the same time, I am also afraid that nothing anyone could say or do will eliminate the 'buwayas' in our society. I only hope and pray Mr.Lozada stays alive to continue what he started: A genuine path towards reform and reflection for every Filipino (despite ethnic origins, religion or social status). Sincerely Grace Santos, (by email), Feb. 10, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Kuya Tony, In time of peace and war, it is always worth it to take a risk for one's country. It is never 'sometimes' only. To close the market of free ideas is to expect a collapse of a country. When there is a foul smell, there must be something rotten. This is but natural. So, we follow where the rotten smell is coming from (like a trained K-9). Since this is a 'Year of the Rat' (according to Chinese tradition) there must be a rotten-rat around decomposing. Time will tell when we find the rat and discard it. More power to you. Leona Guera, (by email), Australia , Feb. 10, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. To : Mr. Jun Lozada Thru the kindness of Senator Benigno C. Aquino, Jr. From: Mike M. Moreno, President-CEO-Canadian American Holdings & Chair- Fil-Am Fil-Can Alliance , Richmond , British Columbia , Canada . The revelations made by Jun Lozada on the scandalous N.B.N. project undertaken by the present government involving a huge amount of American money $329. million brokered by former Comelec Chairman, Benjamin Abalos, Sr."on leave" until his retirement, overpriced allegedly by as much as $130. million, to my mind is the biggest ever done by crooks in Malacanang Palace . Lozada stressed, that this amount will be shared among thieves in the executive office, $70. million commission will allegedly go to Mike T. Arroyo and the rest will go to PGMA trusted men. "an uneven sharing of loot." Greed pervades in the Office of the President today and the greediest of them all is right there, in the seat of power, who is considered a career thief, a liar, a cheater. I am aware that a Philippine President is protected under a Constitutional shield "immunity from suit" until the term expired, in the case of President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo it is 2010. This shield can be pierced and broken-up though through assault against her Cabinet Members and it is happening now. PGMA is getting frantice and panicking and out of focus. The last thing she wants is to go to jail where her jailmates might think of skinning alive. That is a tickling events for so many Filipinos. Filipinos are angry enough to PGMA, and her family and a possible big waves of enlightened Filipinos might be ready to go to the streets any time now all the way to Malacanang compound via Chino Roces bridge to force her to step down in her alleged stolen Presidency not only once but twice. Hopefully, in this historical uprising Mayor Fred Lim of Manila will allow them to wallk through this historical bridge as he said during his campaign for Mayor of Manila. I think this promise he made helped him won in his bid for the Mayorship of Manila. The officers and members of Fil-Am Fil-Can Alliance based in Richmond, B.C., Canada, an apolitical group gives you Mr. Jun Lozada, a snappy salute in your endeavor-may your thrive flourish. With the help of Church leaders, students from Colleges and Universities not only in Metro Manila, including those patriotic men and women in uniform the "cry" of most Filipinos for Mrs. Gloria M. Arroyo to "step down" might be carried out peacefully but if she choose to fight it out to the finish and fresh blood flows on the streets of Manila, only God will know what to do with her as she told her political foes sometime back- don't judge me- only God can judge me when I die... so many people are now saying .. judge her now !!! Mike Moreno , (by email), Richmond , BC , Canada , Feb. 11, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww WHEN all seemed hopeless, a simple, nondescript man who describes himself as "probinsyanong intsik, arises to confront the evil around us. Moral courage, perhaps the most important legacy of Lozada. According to the Institute for Global Ethics (available online), it is "the quality of mind and spirit that enables one to face up to ethical dilemmas and moral wrongdoings firmly and confidently without flinching or retreating, and taking action to face out problems, not necessarily to resolve them, but to address them squarely, frontally, and with determination." It is "the courage to do and say what is right, or what you truly believe, even though you will catch several different kinds of hell for doing or saying it," according to Lawrence Velvel. What made Lozada come out in the open is the question that many continue to ask. His expertise in information technology, biofuels, project financing, among others, is invaluable at our stage of development, and would have brought him greater financial gain and recognition. Jerry Quibilan, (by email), Feb. 13, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, I would like to express my two cents worth when a group like Makati Business Club makes declaration on corruption in government. Corruption is like a pair of hands when you clap; you can't clap with one hand. Bribery, under declaration of taxes and tariffs due, violations of city building codes, delivery of substandard goods and services - these are all done by businesses many of which are members of the Makati Business Club. These are the acts of corruptions that are prevalent not only with government but even between businesses. A CEO of a Makati domiciled PSE listed company once admitted having to have paid enormous bribes to the city government in order to expedite a building permit. I know of financial institutions who even connive with their clients to under-declare imports. Another CEO personally admitted to me that he had a Php 65 million budget for "expenses of this sort." What I am saying is that if the Makati Business Club wants to stamp out corruption, it must commence within its own ranks. If they seriously want to squeeze this cancer out of our society, they must not just bark at other people's trees, they must also learn to "moderate their own greed." They cannot simply call the government pot black when their own kettle is smudged with the same grime. They must be prepared to suffer some inconvenience from withholding that bribe; after all, that's how they appear to view grease money- a necessary expense to make things happen more conveniently. I can go on citing major pharmaceutical companies that supply the department of health and even private hospitals, government contractors on public works, transport providers, companies that seek tax holidays, many of whom are MBC members. If these guys just say with conviction that they will not participate in any form of corruption, then corruption can be stamped out. Other countries have done it. The problem in this crab pond that we call our country, no one wants to be the first one to do what is right. They all want to point the finger on someone else. God bless you, Tony. Gus Cosio, (by email), Feb. 13, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww My sincere prayer, sir, is that all these sacrifices of Jun Lozada will not end up in vain. Otherwise, I really see no hope for this country if even reluctant people but nonetheless heroes are abandoned by us. God bless us all and our beloved country. Jonnel Dula Espaldon, (by email), Feb 13, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony: AMEN. Bert Peronilla, (by email), Feb. 13, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, Nothing surprises me as far as corruption by high Filipino public officials are concerned. Long ago I had come to the painful conclusion that corruption in the Philippines permeated the whole fabric of society--in short, that it was already systemic. From my vantage point, I see no easy way out of this terrible national predicament. Filipino politicians seem incapable of taming the greedy beast that is inside of them, so they continue to loot and to plunder. Tragically for the country, these malefactors are virtually beyond the reach of the law. Mariano Patalinjug, (by email), Yonkers , NY , Feb. 13, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, I think Lozada's reference to himself as probinsyanong intsik came from the cursing allegedly hurled at him over the phone by Abalos. If i am not mistaken, part of Abalos' outbursts went this way: "PI ka, wag kang pupunta sa Wack Wack at kung hindi ipapapatay kita..." I don�t think Lozada explained in his testimony what PI meant, but I guess that is where probinsyanong intsik came from. Again you have a nice piece here, Tony. Regards and God bless, Hermilando D. Aberia, (by email), Tacloban City , Feb. 13, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi Tony, We need more Jun Lozadas for our country to move forward! Let�s keep up the good fight! Let�s finish the race! Long live our beloved country, the Philippines ! Gerry Garay, (by email), Clermont , Florida , Feb. 13, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Sir Abaya, I�m sorry to disagree in most part with your article this time. I have been following this brouhaha ever since the �Lozada� debut in the news and frankly, I almost tossed my complete trust to this guy and said to myself, �This is it�. Well, not until he readily admits his own small scale corruption (compared to ZTE..) in his own government backyard, which of course he was a part of until he resigned. Reluctant, I agree. Hero? In scale of 10, not even 1. Why is this so? Stealing is not categorized by how much was stolen or being corrupt for that matter. He even concurred at the hearing, that $65 million is within his �permissible zone� of corruption for that project. If corruption is now a quality of a hero, let�s call Erap, Marcos and all these politicians heroes of the 21st century. Let�s allow Marcos� frozen body finally rest at the �Libingan Ng Bayani� once and for all. Let�s stop criticizing corruption since everybody is just being heroic and patriotic. Reluctant is the most appropriate description for this �newborn media star�. Proof of that comes from his own mouth over and over again, �Appear Or Not To Appear�, �Lie Or Not To Lie� at the Senate. Also consider the facts, it took one year for �his truth� to come out, talked (or tried to negotiate?) to both sides of the �Jedi force� all along, appeared (to me at least) determined to appear before the senate even before the Hong-Kong tour as evidenced by his close communication with the �Lacson force� (read Lito Banayo article), toyed with Joey and Abalos negotiating skills (hoping to get a cut? Unfortunately the other �hero Abalos� missed the cue.), talked to �personal friends and close associates� using from what now appeared, a very convincing demeanor, then later on bite them in the neck (one was against Defensor insinuating that he didn�t even look inside the envelope, �baka matukso pa ako�), crying, smiling, joking in one �shooting� with friendly senators as audience (that�s an Oscar caliber right there), even tried to drag Sen. Joker Arroyo�s wife as additional victim (I guess to portray himself more credible), not really a simple �probinsyanong intsik� as he is well connected (Corpuz, Neri, etc..), and a lot more. Truly the Pinoy Nation has a penchant for �tele-drama� but it would be ironic for it to be the gauge of building a great country, there must be solid evidence. With all the facts in the open, I believe the Pinoy Nation doesn�t deserve this kind of �hero� who is actually, �just another crocodile trying to grow his tail longer in the backyard of government politics� . Mabuhay ka, Sir Abaya, and God (not the bishops, priests and nuns) bless our dear country! Respectfully, Ador Ramoso, (by email), Atlanta , Georgia ,. Feb. 13, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi Tony, We ordinary Filipinos who understand clearly what Jun Lozada had done, support him to the finish, whatever demolition battalion that this immorally corrupt government of GMA does to him. If Jun Lozada is corrupt, as they should make us believe, remember that the untouchable crime bosses in the early centuries in America were convicted because of the testimonies or whistle blowing of their partners in crime. But at least they had redeemed themselves, just like Mary Magdalene who at the end became a saint. Thanks and more power ! Bert Celera, (by email), Feb. 14, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww We are very proud of Jun Lozada. He is really a hero. We spent the whole night watching him on TFC from New York City . We hope there will be more June Lozada in the future. Carmelita Panganiban, (by email), New York City , Feb. 14, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hello Tony, Tell the apologists to keep showing up on TV and giving radio interviews - we enjoy hearing Puno, Razon, Atienza, Mascarinas, Bunyi, the asst spokespersons of Palace and other admin officials - the more they talk, the angrier we get and this anger is spreading nationwide. If Lozada were being protected, how come a non-organic contractual (Valeroso) was the one allowed by Mascarinas (whom he had just met) to go up the tube to pick up Lozada? Add to your observations - if those apologists were met by a Valeroso (looks like a hitman from Sicily) would they even do what they are saying Lozada should have done - run away, scream - what if he were shot right there? And imagine, Valeroso, whose "territory" as a contractual of the Aviation Security Group should, if at all, be confined to the airport -went all the way on that five hour trip. So apologists, would you do what you pontificate Lozada should have done? Or better, let�s put it this way - what if one of your sons or daughters were treated that way - HOW WOULD YOU REACT and how do you think they would react - ASK FOR HELP TOTAL MARAMING TAO DOON? Warm regards, Carlitos (Pedrosa), (by email), Feb. 14, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Good day, Tony! With due respect, it seems like you took as gospel truth everything that Mr. Lozada claimed. Like, "He did not want to face the Senate..." Yet, Senator Lacson, coddler of Udong Mahusay and Vidal Doble, revealed meeting Lozada five times(!) in late 2007, contrary to the latter's earlier claim, based on his selective memory, that he only sent his close associate to meet with the former. Also, his essay enumerating the reasons why Secretary Neri refuses to "reveal all" written the day after Neri's Senate appearance, which he circulated among his circle, then in the internet, is, I think, meant to unmask himself as a willing witness who is "aching" to provide the missing links in Neri's testimony. He convinced administration officials he did not want to testify. Obviously, Lacson got the opposite impression, I'm sure. Otherwise, the senator would not waste time meeting with him five times. It's not farfetched that both sides formulated a "plan of action" for Lozada, both sides believing he is on their side When he was asked by Senator Jinggoy how much money did Mike Defensor give him, he replied with a straight face, "Di ko na po tiningnan. Baka matukso pa ako." I took it to mean he refused the offer. Alas, Defensor later claimed that Lozada took the money pala. Did he want us to believe he never counted the bills from the time he took it to the time he returned it to Defensor? Baka matukso daw, eh ang tutoo pala eh natukso nga! Tinanggap eh! Sinoli nuong nabulgar. Look, your "hero" is lying, Tony. I don�t believe that he was "visibly shaken and traumatized" in that press conference. It looked to me more like he became more afraid of his safety after he revealed there which side he has decided to join. He feared the wrath of the side which he deceived. Remember, up until that night, namamangka siya sa dalawang ilog. That human chain made up of nuns to protect him kuno and those tears shed at the precise moment were copies from Lino Brocka's Oropronobis and Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim. And it worked! Now he is a hero in your eyes, and to countless others'. Chavit Singson did much better as Erap;s whistleblower. He showed the money trail leading to the Estrada's bank account to back up his claim of jueteng payola. Lozada only had his tale to tell without anyone from that Senate hearing, if I recall correctly, asking him if he had any proof to back up his claim (or even just on how he came up with the $130M figure. No one cared to ask if it was a fact or was a mere estimate) Still, I consider Lozada a "credible witness." Despite his admission to being party to some "moderately" anomalous government deals. But a Hero? A hero does not lie nor should he fear for his life. And what about that Writ filed with the SC? .I thought the Black and White Movement is a nonpartisan group whose mission is to seek the truth? Why didn't they reveal that Lozada was with them when the whole country (including the lawyers who filed the writ?) was worried about his whereabouts? Worse, what were they doing in Gina de Venecia's company when JDV broke away from GMA? They were clearly anti-GMA, it's okay (and I think justified) to admit that! But those holier-than-thous would rather have us take them as our moral and spiritual guides who are above dirty politics. Hypocrites will burn in hell more than thieves and prostitutes, so their Holy Book says. Sorry for the long letter. Thank you for hearing me out. I say this again - I may not agree with your views all the time but I still am, and will remain, a fan of yours. Good day! Jojo Labayen, (by email), Feb. 14, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, It is just your bad luck that your namesake keeps popping out but in less respectful moments and events. I am truly sad for Jun Lozada. I can already see those he had rightfully accused, moving on with their lives as if nothing that jolting ever happened. In fact, it will not be surprising if the Ombudsman find the allegations legally baseless. Meanwhile, the documented charges against Jun Lozade are filed and prosecuted. Jun Lozadea and his family might end up going to the US where he will be promised protection. Amidst all the noise and cry for rallies and resignation, Malacanang does what it expertly knows best to wiggle out of the crisis. We now await for the next round of elections. What is your scenario? Cesar (Sarino), (by email), Feb. 14, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi ACA, I thought that episode at the airport was hilarious. It was supposed to be a covert operation initiated by Lozada himself because he didn't want to appear before the Senate hearing. But nobody bothered to explain to Lozada how the game was to be played. Like the funny Keystone cops, his handlers turned the operation into a comedy of errors when they drove him for hours without anyone saying a word to him, monitored his every move, and told him to stop sending text messages which a terrified Lozada thought he was being kidnapped. It was no kidnapping, but every one of them can be charged with obstruction of justice. Cesar M. de los Reyes, (by email), Feb. 14, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Reluctant or not, I think he did something courageous. Considering him being a " nobody, " he had the guts to say the greediness of public personalities, such as Abalos and FG. However, like anybody and everybody in public offices, he is no angel also. Buying a Camry and an SUV for an office that we hardly know, nakaka asar talaga. One would imagine how a congressman or even a mayor of a small town would spend their government money. Wow. Kahit na, I still think he is credible. It doesn�t mean that a robber cannot be an asset in fighting criminality because of his past d ba? Chavit said that Erap was corrupt. I believe so and so is Chavit. Hayup din sa kurakot yan ah. What progress does Ilocos have? Ganun din naman ah. Jun Lozada is the Chavit of GMA. His testimony for the obvious cover up of his bosses were credible. Hinayang ako ke Atienza and Razon, I used to like them but now, they are pawns for the lying of GMA and his men. Mike Delgado, (by email), Feb. 14, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, Do me a favor please, do not refer to Mike Arroyo as the first gentleman. A crook does not a gentleman become. This is a misuse of a title to someone undeserving much less full of you know what. There is a saying of course that everybody knows. What goes around comes around to bite your behind. Mike Arroyo and Gloria will get their fannies chewed up one of these days. They may find themselves banished to China and feel at home there. I can't very well empathize with Mr. Lozada's predicament. He played the game and when things got tough and rough, don't say the powerfuls are not playing fair. If you could not stand the heat, by god get out of the kitchen. And you, sir, did not do that. You see what is in play here, Mr. Lozada, is what we call multi truths. That means you and your enemies are claiming to be telling the truth. I can opt to believe you are telling the truth, but your enemies will go on telling their truth regardless. This episode reflects how deeply corrupt the people running the country. They are willing to sell their souls down the Yellow River ( China ) for the almighty dollars. Such pathetic and opportunistic bunch of marauders. The country needs a hero to step up the plate. Not someone who got caught doing a dirty job and knowing it. There can be no absolution to a bad deed much less a reward. One becomes jaded after reading so much junk about the country. However, we know you are clean, Mr. ACA. Take care. Oscar Apostol, (by email), Roseville , CA , Feb. 14, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya, Jun Lozada is not a hero. A hero will die for truth. Jun Lozada does not want to die, that is why he is telling the truth. Can we not see the difference? Please stop glorifying this person and don't be fooled like the others. I think that a more appropriate title for him is a reluctant witness. Thank you. Raquel C. Vivar, (by email), Feb. 14, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Well written article, Mr. Abaya. It's a no brainer as to why Jun Lozada decided to testify and come clean. When a man fears for his life, especially when abducted by several men and taken to a place where he is not supposed to be, it does something to one's conscience. He knows he's a dead man either way so he might as well spill the beans. He earned more of my respect when he did not deny the wrongdoings that Miriam Defensor-Santiago accused him of (and to think she is so quick to point the finger..perhaps she ought to point it at her husband and herself). I was also disappointed in Joker Arroyo. I never expected him to be on the wrong side of the fence. During the Senate hearing, all those issues about Lozada not signing the Writ of Amparo, etc..Hello! If you are the one "missing", does it make sense for you to sign that stupid paper? Of course not. I pray that Jun Lozada gets through this ordeal. I wish him strength, courage, and enough conviction to see him through until the end of this case. It feels good to know that we still have people like him around, people who do personify Patriotism. Try as his detractors might to destroy his credibility, it will not work. We see his integrity and sincerity. Mabuhay si Jun Lozada. Freda Veluz, (by email), Feb. 14, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya, Hope this email finds you well.. Thank you so much for your above article. And thanks so much for someone like Jun Lozada, especially at a time when it is so difficult to find heroes. I have been trying to keep abreast of the news on Jun but I might have missed the circumstances on how come his wife and kids were all ready being safeguarded at La Salle prior to Jun's arrival from Hong Kong. Why? Were they all ready in danger prior to Jun's final decision to go to the Senate? I am not sure this has been explained very well, giving an opportunity for Jun's detractors to further their claim that Jun is not as forthright as he wants to project. I'd very much appreciate your enlightenment on this. Thank you again and happy heart's day! Best regards, Norrie Towanna, (by email), Feb. 14, 2008 (As far as I know, Jun�s family had made arrangements with La Salle Greenhills - where his children go to school � while he was still in Hong Kong , because they had been receiving threats. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Let me borrow the intro of Mr. Manuel Buencamino's column in the Business Mirror - The True Story. "The Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. saga is unprecedented. Nothing in the history of man or beast comes close. It is the first and only recorded instance of a witness asking those he is about to testify against to protect him from those who want him alive and well." People have now discovered the new Filipino Trait --Lying without blinking an eye. And all of them--the Arroyo gov't. officialdom-- who appeared before the Philippine Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, have found this new trait a good way to show their Bosses up there, how to virtually lick ass just to remain in power. We have reached down, really down there! What a pity. We know some of them can't sleep at night because their conscience won't let them. Someday, they will have to explain to their grand children or even great grandchildren what impelled them to do what they did during their tenures. I wouldn't want to be in their shoes! Jose Regino, (by email), Zamboanga City , Feb. 14, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww NOTE. Because of limited space, this post may be truncated in acabaya.blogspot.com. It appears or will appear complete in www.tapatt.org. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr Abaya The reluctant but highly credible hero should be given immunity from suit. with all the devious and evil things being thrown at him. Tthe Senate could do no less. An independent and co-equal branch of government should not be unreluctant to expose the "executing" branch. Someday it may go after them. as they have now the senate majority and most important as co-equal with the executioner, they must now push more the pressure not letting the people die in the process. Surely, they have the resources. It's a slow and painful process they say and they the elite always come out the winner. It's about time they eliminate some of their kind. The elite are a lucky lot. People are just plain helpless to go after them. Where are the sparrows? Waiting for upheaval? It won't come. Ordinary people have very low standard of satisfaction. Petty crimes and petty vices. And these things are the most dangerous. We need big heads to roll literally. The sparrows should up the ante. They should go after the biggest fish, not their lackeys. Keep on writing. Your avid reader, Harvy David Maglalang, (by email), Feb. 14, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, Well said. I thank God there are still Filipinos like Jun Lozada. What saddens me though are comments I hear even from people I know who attack the likes of Jun Lozada. I think people characterized by the following will attack any Jun Lozada: 1. People who are morally bankrupt themselves; 2. People who admire JL deep inside but cannot do what he did (They do not have the balls); 3. People who have been brainwashed and become incapable of independent thinking; 4. People who are not very well informed; 5. People reminded of the wrong they do and continue to do by JL; 6. People who are hypocrites; 7. People who are not practicing Christians or followers of God; 8. People who are unrepentant; 9. People who cannot accept the fact that the paths they have chosen to take and devoted their short earthly lives to are not the correct path and feel it is too late to change course; and 10. People who are ready (or think they are) to go to hell! Hell, there could be more ... What appalls me more is that even old men or women whose lives are almost over cannot seem to find the wisdom to change before it is too late. Again, "what does it profit a man if he were to win the whole world but loses his own soul?" I notice that a very recurrent criticism thrown by JL's critics is the fact that JL himself (like JDV III or whoever really) is not "clean". Of course, JL is not perfect; otherwise, he'd be Jesus Christ! Hey guys, we mortals can only hope to argue in relative terms. But all the more people should raise alarm bells when allegations involve a multimillion corruption scandal possibly involving the highest official of the land! Let the man talk for Christ's sake so we all can know the truth. Why are all the President's men ganging up on the poor fellow who is obviously defenseless? Cowards and hypocrites! I think the real "crying ladies" are all of us who do not even come close to ever doing what JL just did even if we know down deep it is the right thing to do! But remember all that our lives here on this sometimes wretched earth is but temporary. Death is the great leveller who "smiles on us all". "If not in this life then in the next". Mind you, sooner than you think. Regards, Dr Dennis Acop, (by email), Feb. 14, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony- I know you are not the Tony Abaya Lozada mentioned. Mike Delgado, (by email), Feb. 14, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Sir Tony, Salamat naman po at hindi pala kayo yaong Tony Abaya na yun. Muntik na po akong nadismaya. Mabuti na po lamang at iba pala yon. Salamat po and my deepest apologies for thinking it was you.... Salamat po ulit. Mike C. de Grano, (by email), North Vancouver , BC , Canada , Feb. 15, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Alas! We are all sinners, so let he who is without sin cast the first stone! Honestly speaking, I am one of the millions of Filipinos who disdains and feels appalled, and yet have come to terms with the corruption in this country. The old adage, "what are we in power for," interestingly is the way the system works in this country. As they say, "the system may be flawed, but it works." So I say, what's all the fuss? Like Lozada, I'd say, as long as "hindi bubukol ok lang." Doesn't most Filipinos in this country think this way? You'd say, how can you say that it works when the rich is getting richer and the poor is getting poorer. I'd like to say that being poor is not a sin and should not hinder us from becoming rich, through hard work and perseverance. Whatever form of government there is, you see people who are not involved in government contracts getting rich everyday. Only through sheer passion about improving their lot do these people get out of the rot that they started out in. So we shouldn't blame the government for our inability to survive and improve our lot. Lozada is no saint, as he so admits. But then again, just because he reveals the names of the bigger demons for us to exorcise doesn't make him a hero. He's just trying to save his neck, nothing else. Love for the country? I don't think so, I'd rather believe his love for his family. He is nothing but another Chavit Singson who is saving his life from an angry government mafia. Does aiding in the identification and hanging of a bigger scumbag absolve him of his own crimes? Truly, shouldn't he also be punished for his sins as well? Depends on the sin. If he stole for food for himself and his hungry family, maybe we could forgive him. But if he stole from millions of hungry people and fattened himself, maybe it's about time that he is hanged and the loot be distributed back to the people. Our country has learned to tolerate modest kickbacks on government deals, but for those that are glaring and staring us at the face, it would be an insult to everyone to have such brazen activities go uncorrected. Reason for this Senate inquiry today. Crimes are supposedly done in the dark, for fear of getting caught. But when these are done in broad daylight, with such boldness and audacity, it's as if defying the rule of the people and acting as if they are above the law. These, the people can not and should not tolerate. Lawrence C. See, (by email), Feb. 15, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi Tony! I received this via text message today: "D reason dat Tony Abaya brought Jun Lozada 2 Fely Aquino Arroyo wife of Sen Joker Arroyo was 2 convince Jun not 2 go 2 d senate 2 testify. Fely A. Arroyo kasi s d lawyer consultant of Ricky Razon! Now d plot thickens! Wat a fake dat Joker is! He & his wife r involvd pala in d ZTE mess also whch s why he got mad at Jun 4 mentioning his wife. One by one they r falling down! Pls pass." Can you corroborate this message? Is Senator Joker Arroyo really a fraud? This is so sad. He was such a feisty Executive Secretary during Cory's time and I thought he was a reputable Senator. Warm regards, Ito Sequera, (by email), Feb. 15, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, Just a minute ago, PNP Chief Avelino Razon was saying on nationwide television that on February 06, 2007 Jun lozada's sister Carmen asked for PSPO's protection for her brother Jun, but that it (the request for protection) had to be dated February 05, even pointing to Secretary Atienza as the guy who asked him to protect Lozada. What hogwash! Carmen claims she never asked for such protection. Frankly, General Razon is a good man, has a great and outstanding record and the credibility that has never been tainted in all the years that I have read about him in the newspapers. General,Ii join your mistahs in their call for you to resign now before your reputation is destroyed because of blind obedience to your boss. You are such a good man that I cannot imagine seeing your family suffering from all the flaks you are getting as a result of the Lozada snafu. The position given to you isn't worth it. God bless you, General, and more power to you. May the Force be with you! Jeremias Decena, (by email), Feb. 15, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi ACA, To be fair, in the absence of direct evidence, the government scandals that happen repeatedly may not be attributed to the President, but one thing is clear: scandals of such incredible magnitude are happening because she cannot stop them, which translates to a weak political leadership. GMA may be a good economic manager, but she is a lousy political leader because she is always caught making the wrong moves. Jun Lozada may be the reluctant hero to some but not in my book. Sure, he may be like Saul who became Paul and found the heart to do what is right, though not because his conscience bothered him, but because he had no choice. Just as he allowed people to use him be the fixer of sorts, like moderating the greed that he did in the ZTE deal, but quickly dropped it for fear of being blown because he knew it was unworkable and it became too hot to handle, he now basks in glory of being used again by people like the religious and do-gooders as well as the enemies of the administration. Watching him sing like a canary is a far cry from a fearful, tearful Lozada the first time he appeared in public to a happy, smiling, laughing, talkative celebrity status he now enjoys. Lozada talks of dysfunctional system in government but he did not think so when he was part of the system that made it so. He was/is a government fixer that moderates the greed in dealing with government contracts which as head of a government agency involved in forestry has nothing to do with NBN deals. He is no worse than Abalos and Joey III. If Lozada is lionized for revealing what he knows, will people also lionize and call Abalos or Joey hero if any one of them decides to pull a Lozada? Anyone who tells the truth just to save himself (who knows if it's really the truth?) is a phony hero. As phony as a 3 peso bill. And as phony as JDV who now calls for moral revolution. Thanks ACA. Cesar M. de los Reyes, (by email), Feb. 15, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, I don't think Lozada is a hero for telling the Senate what the senators and all the people knew all along - that government officials commit corruption left and right. Remove the TV coverage and I doubt that he would talk. I also doubt there would be Senate investigations without TV. Lozada's testimony is a case of I say, he says. Unless he backs it all up with concrete evidence, I withhold my evaluation of his truthfulness. Remember, government people cannot be trusted. He was one, being the chief executive of a government corporation. All this hulabaloo about Lozada is a waste of time of which the Senate is notorious. [email protected], Feb. 17, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww (Forwarded to Tapatt by Perry Diaz) A look into the heart and soul of Jun Lozada AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR By William M. Esposo Thursday, February 21, 2008 Philippine Star Values acquired at home and nurtured in school form character. But it is only when these values are challenged under extremely trying conditions when we discover our new heroes. Indeed, it is the test of fire that turns ore into fine steel. Rodolfo Noel "Jun" Lozada looked every inch an average joe. I just had to know what made him venture where others dared not. What shaped his mindset and his emotions? What makes up the essential Jun Lozada? His number one hero is his father, but he was also deeply inspired and influenced by the lives of Jose Rizal, Apolinario Mabini, Konosuke Matsushita, St. Thomas Aquinas and Pope John Paul II. For a well-read and obviously brilliant man (he took on the Palace mob with ease and grace under pressure, albeit with moist eyes), Jun is amazingly a simple man. He showed none of the affected superficialities of the social climbers and showbiz senators who are forever competing to make the sound bites that no one believes anyway. After all the time I've observed our politicians up close and personal, I've been trained by experience to discern the pretender from the real deal. What immediately impressed me is that Jun Lozada lives by the core philosophy of each of his heroes, his mindset formed by their superhuman feats of courage and fortitude. Jun knew his Rizal and not only that � he has passed on that reverence for the Bagumbayan martyr to his children. Rizal to him is the epitome of what a Filipino heart and soul should be. He admired Mabini for his courage and his great mind which provided enlightenment during a trying time in our history. In Mabini's The True Decalogue (which was featured in my August 12, 2007 column), we can find many of the right prescriptions to our present problems. Jun marveled at how the diminutive and frail Konosuke Matsushita, the Panasonic founder, managed to create a massive electronic empire built on human kindness. Matsushita's dedicated efforts for community outreach have been adopted by many firms. Jun said: "Matsushita taught me that if you serve the community, the community will serve you." It was from St. Thomas Aquinas that Jun learned that the worst form of corruption is the corruption of the best. Jun was inspired by Pope John Paul II's exhortation that when we uplift the social conditions of the poor, we also help them from committing sin, a lesson some of our Bishops have yet to learn. Jun Lozada had a lucrative career. At age 22, he was already making US$4,800 a month while working in Saudi Arabia and he shared the sunshine with his other brothers and sisters. Jun believes that he was significantly strengthened by three near-death experiences. These jolting experiences were the fires that temper ore into hard steel, an ordinary citizen into a country's man of the hour. Right after college, Jun suffered from a disease that baffled doctors. He did not have stroke and was not even hypertensive � but he became paralyzed. Bedridden and fast losing weight and strength, he reached a point when he became drawn to reaching out to his Maker. Jun fervently prayed to be allowed three wishes: To be able to say sorry to those he had wronged, to say "I love you" to those he failed to tell that to and to feel love in return. Suddenly, Jun narrated, "It was like a switch on and switch off experience. One moment I was passing from this life and the next moment it was as if I had never been sick at all." Years later, Jun was afflicted with Hepatitis B � at a time when having this ailment was almost like a death sentence. Unable to produce the needed antibodies to cure the disease, Jun had another one-on-one with his Maker, this time really vowing to dedicate another lease on life for the Almighty's greater glory. Again, he was saved. His body suddenly started producing antibodies. Then, when his brother was mistakenly killed by government agents, Jun almost became another victim. For tenaciously pursuing the case of his brother's homicide, Jun was intercepted one night on the road by a big man with a gun and with a look of murder in his eyes. Jun sped away from his assailant and the man fired and hit the back of his car seat. Miraculously, the bullet did not penetrate the upholstery. Surviving that airport arrival abduction is something that Jun considers his fourth lease on life. Knowing these experiences of Jun Lozada, we can now better understand and believe how and why he can rise above his fears and do what he felt must be done. Having rare encounters with one's Maker, a man can rise above his limitations. When a man has learned to surrender his fate to his Maker, he becomes an easy channel for grace and an instrument of the Almighty. ***** OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO |