Archive for September 2007
Iloilo province subordinate only to ZTE deal
The zealousness with which Iloilo Vice Governor Rolex T. Suplico has shown in religiously attending the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigation into the scandalous $329 million transaction for the national broadband network with Chinese firm ZTE proves one point: that the welfare of Iloilo province is secondary and subordinate only to the undisclosed interests of the vice governor in this transaction.
Up to this time, he has side stepped questions about what is his role in the investigation. In answer to the question of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, Suplico denied he was the lawyer for Joey de Venecia. He was there as a taxpayer, he said. Imagine what would happen if every tax payer would insist in being present there at the Senate investigation. Wrong answer, Mr. Suplico. Give us a more plausible answer, please.
Rolex is a liar
Interviewed by a radio anchorman last Saturday on what business he had attending the Senate Blue Ribbon committee hearing on the scandalous ZTE national broadband network transaction, Vice Governor Rolex Suplico said there was really no conflict because he had applied for a leave of absence.
That’s a big, big lie.
Suplico requested for a travel authority from Governor Niel Tupas, Sr. on Sept. 19 to attend a hearing conducted by this committee on Sept. 20. This request came to my desk the following day, during which I was designated officer-in-charge of the Governor’s Office in the absence of the Governor. So I signed the travel papers.
I have the documents to show that upon his own request, Suplico attended the hearings on official business, meaning he can charge his air fare, per diems and other expenses to the taxpayer.
Does he think he can fool the people?
What’s Rolex doing at ZTE Senate Probe?
My good friend, Rolex Suplico, was a sight to behold during the Blue Ribbon committee hearing at the Senate that was investigating the scandalous ZTE national broadband network deal. He appeared itchy and over-eager to say his piece against the supposed crooked officials who cooked up the grossly overpriced deal. He was seated right beside Joey de Venecia.
The question that comes to mind of so many people is this: What was Rolex doing there? What was his involvement in the transaction? Does he have a financial interest in the corporation that lost the bidding? Is he the lawyer of Joey de Venecia?
Rolex should be aware that it is prohibited for immediate relatives of top officials like the Speaker of the House to be involved in business deals with government. If he is the lawyer for the younger de Venecia, then he is part of an illegal act by a sire of the Speaker. Where is his sense of delicadeza? Is he saying that it’s okay for de Venecia to wheel and deal, because that would be profitable for him? Isn’t he guilty of double standards when he attacks top government officials of corrupt practices?
Rolex should answer these questions.
It’s good to be back
To all friends and readers on cyberspace,
After a four-month hibernation, I would like to announce that this blog “Iloilo@UpClose” is back in business and pursue its mission of providing information about important events and activities taking place in Iloilo, including gossip about politics and lesser matters.
I guess I needed the vacation from writing after the exhausting events of the Capitol siege and the elections. The itch to write is back, so here I am.
I’ve always believed in “karma”, and I think this is what former Justice acting secretary Raul Gonzalez is going through.
His arrogance and ruthlessness made him think he was infallible.
He wielded his powers to harass and oppress perceived enemies.
He trampled upon the rights of innocent people.
He destroyed the people’s faith in the justice system.
Now, he is as meek as a lamb, helpless in his hospital bed.
For the first time, Gonzalez is taking orders from lesser mortals (that’s how he would perceive his doctors), and he cannot overrule them.
He owes his life to an ordinary driver, something that he never must have thought would happen to him.
He felt he was immortal.
Not anymore.
President Arroyo should now make permanent the sick leave granted to Gonzalez.
I think it’s obvious he can no longer perform his job.
he’s too weak. His mind is now feeble.
The people he oppressed are still praying for his early recovery, though. “I want him to get well so he can repent his sins against the people,” said Governor Niel Tupas.
