Probe after probe after probe

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The Senate is conducting a probe into the cancelled NBN-ZTE transaction and the ongoing hearings have captivated the attention of the nation. So far, two sessions have been conducted, with several government officials and members of the police organization called in for questioning. All of them were sworn to tell the truth and nothing but, and, so far, the statements that they have given all seem to focus on one thing: to rebut the highly damaging ones already given, both to the media, and to the Senate by the one man who seems to have the lowdown on the very questionable contract entered into and later rescinded by our government.

Even as the Senate is proceeding with its probe, here comes the Office of the Ombudsman, announcing that it is also conducting its own investigation on the case. The announcement is rather surprising, considering that no less than seven charges, all dwelling on the same issue, had been filed before that body in the last six months or so.

Not only the Ombudsman, there is also a move from the Department of Justice to create a panel that will also probe the deal signed between the Chinese company and the Republic of the Philippines. And there is also the Office of the President which has also named two of her trusted men, men who are not mentioned in any recent scandal, to lead in the fight against corruption by teaming up with the Church and other groups with the same mission.

All this without including the possibility that some related cases may land in some courts of law, too.

Where, and how will all this end, with so many probes, investigations and charges coming out of this one transaction? Of course there is a very well-known saying about ten thousand angels swearing making no difference if one is in the right. With so many giving testimonies, all aimed at proving him wrong, it is not, however, far-fetched to imagine that it is the whistle-blower who will be found guilty in the end.*