As the sordid details of the ZTE-NBN deal are unveiled in the on-going Senate investigation, certain mind-boggling questions remain unanswered. Originally, conceptualized as a build-operate-transfer project where the government would not have to spend a single centavo, why did the GMA administration opted to go for the loan concept where the Chinese government would extend a loan to the Philippine government to underwrite the project? While admitting that she knew that the ZTE-NBN contract was flawed, why did President GMA still proceeded with the same, left the country and the bedside of her sick husband who was then confined at the hospital, went to Boao, China and personally signed the contract? She was told by Secretary Neri that allegedly there was an attempted bribery of $200 million dollars commission, yet why did she not order the prosecution of those who may be liable for the attempted bribery? These and many more are crying for answers to which the Filipinos are entitled.

        In the midst of the confusion and desperate search for the truth, Filipinos from all over, continue to gasp in horror and disbelief at the magnitude of corruption that has tarnished the moral fabric of public governance. The real tragedy is, if realizing that indeed corruption that has become common and ordinary in government, people who at this time has reached a point of hopelessness and exasperation would either just shake their shoulders and do nothing, or take the law in their own hands and resort to violence.

        For all the so called investigations, where grandstanding and posturing has been the rule, let us hope that the present Senate inquiry on the ZTE-NBN deal, would not end up a circus as the other inquiries and hearings in the past like the “Hello Garci” tapes, the distribution of funds and projects to loyal fodlowers and the like.

        History has taught us a lot of lessons along public governance. If memory serves me right, people’s sensibilities were assaulted by the alleged purchase of then President Elpidio Quirino of a bedpan worth P5,000.00. At the time, the incident was viewed as undue lavishness and dishonesty in the handling of public funds. But now that’s peanuts, the stakes has grown astronomical and unimaginable.

        A simple tax payer like myself somehow feels betrayed by the realization that part of my hard earned money paid as taxes to the government would go to payment of immoral loans like the instant case.

                                                ***

        I do not envy either “Jun” Lozada or Manny Gaite as I view them from the televised live coverage of the Senate hearing. They are a study in contrast: one confesses to misdeeds while being part of the system but realizing the folly of it all, tries to reform. The other, a basically decent person, battles with the conflict of wanting to preserve that decency at the same time trying to do what is part of his job. Perhaps, it is safe to say that what’s happening to Atty. Manny Gaite is just a case of occupational hazard. To Lozada I say continue the good fight. To Manny Gaite, make up your mind boy!

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:
        “SEIZE THE MOMENT. REMEMBER ALL
        THOSE WOMEN ON THE TITANIC WHO
        WAIVE OFF THE DESSERT CART.”

- ERMA BOMBECK

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:
        “FOR IN FIRE GOLD IS TESTED
        AND WORTHY MEN IN THE CRUCIBLE
        OF HUMILATION.”

- SIRACH 2:15