Press Release
February 24, 2008

KIKO: PGMAs ADMISSION OF IRREGULARITIES IN THE ZTE DEAL CONFIRMS NECESSITY OF NERI'S APPEARANCE IN SENATE HEARINGS, EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE DOES NOT COVER IRREGULARITIES

Mrs. Arroyo's recent admission that she knew about the irregularities surrounding the ZTE deal YET ENDORSED THE PROJECT ANYWAY is reason enough to pierce the veil of executive privilege, Senate Majority Leader and Independent senator Kiko Pangilinan today said.

"President Arroyo's admission should convince The Supreme Court to set aside Chairman Neri's invocation of executive privilege. Her admission that she had found out about the irregularities in the ZTE deal should open door for the Supreme Court to rule against Chairman Neri's petition," Kiko said.

Kiko furthers that the attendant circumstances would tend to imply that President Arroyo even ratified the controversial deal.

"No less than the President has admitted to having knowledge of irregularities yet she proceeded to endorse the anomalous contract, even travelling to China to witness the signing. No less than Chairman Neri has admitted that he relayed the bribe attempt to the President before the contract was finalized and no less than PGMA herself confirmed this," Kiko emphasized.

"If President Arroyo had knowledge of illegal activities, the public has the right to know what she did, if any, and why she went on to approve the contract despite these illegalities, Executive Privilege cannot be invoked to conceal possible irregularities and criminal activities," Kiko said.

Kiko reiterates that Chairman Neri should face the Senate and shed light on their conversations with President Arroyo regarding the irregularities and the illegalities surrounding the ZTE contract.

"We are a government of laws and not of men. Executive Privilege cannot be used to keep the President and other high ranking officials beyond and above the rule of law," Kiko quipped.

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