We, of the Developmental Institute for Bicolano Artists (DIBA) Foundation, and other concerned citizens who still love their homeland, the Philippines, issue this statement of support for Rodolfo Noel ‘Jun’ Lozada, Jr. in his struggle to ferret out truth from a corrupt and greedy political system as evidenced by his disclosure of kickbacks in the overpricing of the ZTE-National Broadband Network deal and his reference to other projects such as the Southrail project.

        We issue this statement of support for Rodolfo Noel ‘Jun’ Lozada, Jr. compelled as he is by an honest heart, in his lonesome struggle to reveal the truth even as the powers in high places are churning its system against him – at the risk of his life, limb and liberty.

        We issue this statement of support for the probinsiyanong intsik who is a Bikolano – who has finally found courage in being honest and truthful to confound the corrupt, to put to shame those who farm prevarications and lies, to rout those who seemingly provide security only to get confused what to do with him – who in his sincerity has been able to put up a competent and consistent defense against the collegial attacks of his enemies who are luminaries in governance and in the law, which they twist to suit their own interests and to cash in on their political designs.

        We issue this statement of support for this courageous and hot witness of the people as our trust in the Presidency has gone down the drain and the president’s men have become no more than sycophants and schemers to keep the President and themselves in power.

        As promoters and lovers of art, who firmly believe that distinctive cultures are products of the enrichment of other cultures, we condemn the slur against Rodolfo Noel “Jun’ Lozada, Jr. as a probinsiyanong intsik, an uncalled for vilification against one of the most ancient of Asian cultures, done with arrogance and contempt and with the intent to deride and debase other races and cultures or regions in this country, particularly Bikol.

        We issue this statement of support for Rodolfo Noel ‘Jun’ Lozada and other Lozadas in near and distant future whose only wish is to live a decent life and raise a family within one’s modest means – not from kickbacks or even from moderate greed.

        We call on all those who believe in the honesty of Rodolfo Noel ‘Jun’ Lozada, Jr. to stand up, join “communal action”, and urge the Fourth Estate and the religious sector to become proactive sanctuaries of concern, champions of the oppressed and confederates in the campaign against ruthlessness, corruption and greed.

        We feel proud of you, Rodoldo Noel ‘Jun’ Lozada, Jr.

        In testimony, we set our hands on this document in Naga City, the Heart of Bikol, the Philippines, this 17th day of February 2008.

AMELITA P. ZAENS • LILIBETH GUYSAYKO • JOSE FERNANDO P. OBIAS • NICOLAS BEDA PRIELA • ABET BERCASIO • FR. LOUAN JARCIA • NINGNING BELMONTE • JOSE B. PEREZ • AL UBAÑA