Palace plan to pursue broadband project proof of bribery, says Pimentel

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. Thursday said the plan of Malacañang to pursue the National Broadband Network (NBN) project tends to bolster the allegation that some influential personalities have already received kickback or commission from the contractor.

This, Pimentel said, after the Philippine government supposedly cancelled the NBN contract with China's ZTE Corporation.

Pimentel expressed outrage over the statement of Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita that the administration plans to revive the NBN project at some future time or after the controversy has died down despite President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's decision to cancel the deal.

He advised the Palace not to turn around from its decision to scrap the NBN deal, in the face of credible evidence that it is overpriced.

He likewise cited the findings of University of the Philippines economic professors Raul Fabella and Emmanuel de Dios that such telecommunications project is not necessary and a sheer waste of taxpayers' money.

"The message that the Palace is trying to put across on the issue is very confusing. Maybe because it's difficult to return the money allegedly already advanced," Pimentel said.