World | Philippines
Credibility of Senate's state witness destroyed
The credibility of a Senate's state witness who claimed that power brokers wanted money from a government deal was destroyed after government authorities said he was not kidnapped, but was given security in response to his request and that of his superior.
- By Barbara Mae Dacanay, Bureau Chief
- Published: 23:55 February 11, 2008
Manila: The credibility of a Senate's state witness who claimed that power brokers wanted money from a government deal was destroyed after government authorities said he was not kidnapped, but was given security in response to his request and that of his superior.
Rodolfo Lozada wanted security after his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from Hong Kong on February 5, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza said, adding, "I responded to his request. He was not kidnapped. He was secured and protected."
Atienza said that he got in touch with Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. to work out a security detail for Lozada because the latter was afraid for his life.
Free will
"He went with the police on his own free will. He was allowed to use his mobile phone. We were successful in securing him. He is alive and well," said Razon, adding that Colonel Senior Superintendent Paul Mascarinas of the Police Security and Protection Office (PSPO) was assigned to take care of Lozada.
Lozada, who is a former environment official and technical consultant of the Philippine government's proposed broadband project to be funded by the China and implemented by a Chinese firm, told the Senate earlier that the allies and husband of President Gloria Arroyo wanted $132 million (Dh484.5 million) in kickbacks.
Retired General Angel Atutubo, chief airport security official, said that he and his men escorted Lozada from the tube of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport so that he could pass through the VIP queue after his arrival from Hong Kong on February 5.
Arrest warrant
"This kind of security is being given to government officials," said Atutubo. "He told me many times that he did not want to go to the Senate," said Atutubo. There was an arrest warrant for Lozada for evading the Senate's summon last week.
Lawyer Antonio Bautista also testified that Lozada was not under duress when he signed the affidavit that he was supposed to submit to the Senate. "He was even given the chance to correct the document," Bautista said.
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