DOJ To Start Own ZTE Probe

Investigations in the Senate and the Ombudsman notwithstanding, the Department of Justice will start its own fact-finding investigation into the controversial ZTE deal tomorrow focusing its probe into other crimes that might have been committed in the course of the deal and the succeeding investigations surrounding it.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez met with the panel this afternoon to discuss the dileanation of task between the DOJ and the Office of the Ombudsman which started its probe today.

Gonzalez had earlier formed a panel to be chaired by Usec. Ernesto Pineda (see earlier post).

Pineda said the DOJ investigation will be different from the Ombudsman because it will focus on the probable commissions of the crimes of perjury, false testimonies, and intriguing against honor which he said are punishable under the revised penal code.

Pineda added that the investigation will look into violations of the Government Procurement Act which is not covered by the investigation of the Ombudsman.

Those who will appear in tomorrow's hearing will be DOTC Assistant Secretary Lorenzo Formoso and former NEDA and now CHED Chairman Romulo Neri.

Expected to be called on for the investigation will be former Philforest Corp. President Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada, former COMELEC Chair Benjamin Abalos, Joey de Venecia, PNP Dir. Avelino Razon, and officials of the ZTE Corporation.

Pineda denies criticisms that the investigation will zero in on Lozada.

"There are a lot of people who have testified already (who may have given false testimonies). We're not targeting a specific person," Pineda said.

Lozada, meanwhile is still seeking protective custody from the Court of Appeals.

Last week, he appeared before the Court of Appeals 17th Division and sought protection from the Court.

He said that he was worried that the Senate could no longer provide for his security after the investigation is concluded.

But the Court did not grant protection, at least not yet because he is still under the custody of the Senate.

Senate President Manny Villar for his part said that the Senate will do all it can to protect Lozada even after the investigation is terminated.

"We are responsible for him, for a witness like him," said Villar.

ABS-CBN exec, Willie, et.al. Liable for Deadly Stampede

A Department of Justice investigating panel has recommended the filing of charges against some of officials of ABS-CBN, "Wowowee" host Willie Revillame, and officials of the Philippine Sports Arena and Goldlink Security Services in connection with the February Ultra Stampede which killed more than 70 people and injured hundreds of others.

Recommended charged were ABS-CBN Vice-President for Entertainment Ma. Rosario Santos-Concio, TV productions head Ma. Socorro Vidanes, host Revillame and staff of the program "Wowowee" which includes Marilou Almaden, Cipriano Luspo, Morly Stewart Nueva, Harold James Nueva, Norbert Vidanes, Rey Cayabyab, Francisco Rivera, Mel Feliciano, and Jean Owen Ercia.

Also charged were ULTRA building administrator Engr. Jesus Belardo, ULTRA booking and events coordinator Erlinda Reis, Goldlink Security and Allied Services Inc., staff director for operations Rosenbar Viloria, and securities in charge Wilfron Onanad and Chito Payumo.

In the resolution, the panel said that the deadly stampede could not have been just an accident.

"The stampede could be foreseen by the exercise of reasonable care and due reflection," the resolution said.

The resolution meanwhile recommended that a preliminary investigation be conducted to find out if there is probable cause to charge Pasig City Mayor Vicente Eusebio, former Pasig Chief of Police P/SSupt. Raul Medina, P/SInsp. Henry Asuela, PCP15 station commander, P/Insp. Khaddafy Bitor, chief, city traffic and parking management office; Arnulfo Awa, Philippine Sports Complex chief security officer, Philsports Arena security coordinator Eugenio Cabigas, and Brgy. Chairman ng Orambo Pasig Richard Pua.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said the aggrieved party can appeal the resolution via a petition for review to be submitted to him.

In a statement, ABS-CBN said it disagrees with the decision of the DOJ.

"It is ABS-CBN's position that there is no evidence to support the DOJ's decision is not the final ruling on this legal issue. it will be up to the courts of law to finally decide if the DOJ is correct and whether or not there is any criminal liability on the part of ABS CBN officers and production staff. ABS-CBN has full confidence in the legal system and has no doubt that justice will be ultimately served for all concerned," the statement said.