Revilla seeks end to NBN probe; says it’s long-playing

By Dexter A. See

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. said here the public is already tired of the controversial $ 329-million national broadband network deal which is the subject of "a long-playing hearing" by the Senate.

'The actor-turned-lawmaker said the three Senate committees hearing the aborted multi-million-dollar contract should stop the hearing because the public has already heard enough through the live media coverage and that it is now time to bring the case to court where the issues should be resolved.

Revilla said the Senate has wasted a lot of time, money, and effort in the hearing, adding that if the time and money were used for the passage of pro-poor legislations, then the country would be better off.

Noting that the people behind the controversy could not be convicted in the Senate, Revilla thought it wise that the Senate committees on trade, defense and accountability, and the Blue Ribbon panel could now come out with a report regarding their investigation.

The Senate has already summoned several witnesses, but it has continuously failed to pressure former Economic Planning Secretary Romulo B. Neri to appear again at the hearing because of a recent ruling by the Supreme Court allowing Neri to invoke executive privilege.

Revilla said the Senate must utilize its precious time in helping the administration overcome the rice crisis so that people, especially those in far-flung communities, would not suffer from the insufficient supply and high prices of rice, which is a staple food of the people.

Instead of helping the government come out with mitigating measures regarding the country’s serious problems, the senator said, it is unfortunate that there are some politicians who try to discredit the gains of the administration simply because they want to advance their political interests.

He told people of Mountain Province and the Cordillera that he will work for the implementation of pro-poor projects and programs of the Arroyo administration so that the people in the countryside would benefit from these undertakings.

Revilla urged the people of Mt. Province to continue supporting the Arroyo administration so that the implementation of poverty-alleviation projects and programs, particularly infrastructure, education, agriculture among others would be speeded up.

In the Cordillera, the Arroyo administration has focused attention on the development of vital roads linking provinces of the region to Regions I and II as well as improve the productivity of farmers.