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GMA knew of the irregularities in NBN/ZTE deal -Ombudsman

By ELLEN TORDESILLAS
FORMER President Gloria Arroyo knew of the irregularities in the $339 million national broadband project to be undertaken by the Chinese ZTE Corp but she facilitated approval for her personal gain.

The Ombudsman today filed with the Sandiganbayan charges against former President Gloria Arroyo for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (R.A. 3019) and Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (R.A 6713) from a complaint filed by Bayan Muna Representative Teddy Casiño in connection with the National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corporation.

The charges were contained in three criminal information.
Information 1

Ombudsman's case vs GMA… by VERA Files

Information 2

Ombudsman's case vs GMA… by VERA Files

Information 3

Ombudsman's case vs GMA… by VERA Files

One is for entering into a contract which is manifestly disadvantageous to the government of the Philippines, a violation of Section 3-G of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Also accused are former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo; Benjamin S.Abalos, Sr., former chairman of the Commission on Elections; and Leandro R. Mendoza, former Secretary of Transportation and Communication.

The second information which named only Arroyo as accused is for having approved the deal, for personal gain, despite having knowledge of the irregularities and anomalies that attended the approval of the deal.

The third information accuses Arroyo of violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for government officials for accepting gifts from the ZTE Corporation in the form of playing golf and lunch in Shenzhen, China while the ZTE’s proposal was still being deliberated on by her government.

Bail of P30,000 for each of the accused was recommended for the first case; P10,000 in the second case and P30,000 in the third case.

Arroyo is under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center for electoral sabotage which did not recommend bail.

Presiding Justice Francisco Villaruz set the raffling of the case on January 2, 2012.