Now on sale: Special J-Lo merchandise

MANILA, Philippines – Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada Jr., a key witness in the alleged anomalies in the canceled $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal of the government with ZTE Corp. of China, is not alone in his fight for truth.

This message was made clear during yesterday’s special Mass at La Salle Greenhills in Mandaluyong City – not through banners and megaphones used in street rallies but through pins and t-shirts.

Thousands of people wore pins and t-shirts bearing the words “J-Lo (for Jun Lozada) you’re not alone” to show their support for the resigned environment official.

Lozada had told the Senate that First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, in their meeting on the NBN deal, called him “J-Lo” to differentiate him from the other Jun Lozada – Apolinario Lozada Jr., former Malacañang chief of protocol and congressman.

The J-Lo shirts were sold for P200 each while car stickers cost P20 each.

Organizers from the Black and White Movement, led by former singer Leah Navarro, said they used the specially designed merchandise in rallying behind Lozada and convincing other people to join their cause through peaceful means.

“We hope to send the message loud  and clear – but in a peaceful way. We will be wearing this from this day forward until the truth on the anomalies finally comes out and is served,” Navarro said.

Some 3,000 people from various groups, including priests and nuns, businessmen, and students, attended the 10 a.m. Mass for Lozada.

After the Mass, the crowd raised their fists while singing “Ang Bayan Ko,” a song identified with the 1986 EDSA people power.

Lozada, clad in checkered long-sleeve polo and khaki slacks, was greeted with cheers and applause when he entered the school gymnasium minutes before the Mass started. He was obviously at peace with the crowd.

Among those who joined the special Mass to show support to Lozada were former President Corazon Aquino, Sen. Franklin Drilon, Sen. Mar Roxas, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, former House speaker Jose de Venecia, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, and former Vice President Teofisto Guingona.

Leaders of various groups including Makati Business Club, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections and Transparency and Accountability Network, also attended the event.