Lozada, NBN, Government Procurement, and More Utang

Jun Lozada has unleashed the atomic bombs that may finally knock the Arroyo administration down. But will it?

He may have now gone out in the open to discuss anomalies surrounding projects agreed upon by China and the Philippines, most especially NBN, Southrail, and the AFP Housing Projects, but will these revelations affect the administration in general.

From the standpoint of an ordinary Filipino, I find Lozada’s revelations surprising; shocking even. If his claims are true, then this administration has been sacking the Filipino people with billions of pesos. Worst, since those are ODA’s (official development assistance), we taxpayers have to pay for it.

I find Lozada’s revelations a proof that there is a flaw in the government procurement system. If we have a comprehensive, specific, and punitive law on procurement and violators of the law; then maybe we could have prevented this controversy from exploding.

But his words are only as good as the government’s. Like any other citizen or entity, the government deserves a benefit of the doubt. While Lozada’s senate testimony would help our legislators craft a stronger procurement legislation, it cannot make the administration criminally or administratively liable.

For Lozada’s testimony, as well as others who know something about NBN, they must file a case in court to prove the allegations. Then their allegations shall hold water.

 What a country!