Gordon released ZTE-NBN report

Blue Ribbon seeks graft raps vs FG, others in ZTE mess

The Senate blue ribbon committee has recommended the filing of graft charges against First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo and other personalities involved in the alleged bribery surrounding the $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) project the government entered with China's ZTE Corp. in April 2007.

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In a press conference Tuesday, committee chairman Sen. Richard Gordon said there is no doubt that Mr. Arroyo had dipped his hands on the government project. “He was where people who are participants to the project converged," he said.

GMANews.TV tried contacting Mr. Arroyo's lawyer, Ruy Rondain, but he could not be reached.

No charges however were recommended for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, but Gordon said she should explain why she did not immediately act on the alleged bribery when it was brought to her attention.

Gordon said President Arroyo could be held liable for the culpable violation

He said President Arroyo violated Article VII, Section 5 of the Constitution which provides that the President should “preserve and defend its Constitution, execute its laws, do justice to every man" and Section 17 which states "the President shall have control of all the executive departments, bureaus and offices."

“Her acts in this case reveal that her performance of presidential duty has been wanting," Gordon said.

Full Report by AMITA LEGASPI and AIE B. SEE, GMANews.TV