ROXAS HAILS MANILA JUDGE'S INDEPENDENCE
THREATS ON LORREDO PART OF NBN-ZTE COVER-UP

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today extolled Manila Metropolitan Trial Court Judge Jorge Emmanuel Lorredo for asserting his independence and not bowing to pressure from Malacañang to inhibit from the perjury case involving NBN-ZTE whistleblower Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada.

"Sumasaludo ako kay Judge Lorredo sa kanyang tibay ng loob na ipagpatuloy ang pagdinig sa kaso ni Jun Lozada sa kabila ng mga banta sa kanyang buhay," Roxas said in reaction to Lorredo's revelation that a Palace emissary has "threatened" and attempted to pressure him into inhibiting from the case.

"Alam kong tulad ko at ng karamihan sa ating mga kababayan, mahalaga kay Judge Lorredo na malaman ang katotohanan sa likod nitong kontrobersiyal na NBN-ZTE deal na ito. Kasama ako sa adhikaing ito," he added.

Lorredo had said that aside from threats to his life, a demolition job aimed at destroying his credibility and grasp of the nation's laws had also started. He claimed Malacañang was displeased with his decision allowing the release of Lozada on recognizance of the Senate, which Roxas filed with the court on behalf of the upper chamber.

The Visayan senator had manifested before the court that Lozada should be turned-over to the custody of the Senate, which he argued has jurisdiction over the witness in light of his testimony before the Senate blue ribbon committee in relation to the anomalies that accompanied the NBN-ZTE broadband deal.

Roxas said the firm position of Lorredo against inhibiting from the perjury case shows that "there are still men of the robe who value their integrity over power and wealth and who believes that only truth can set our country free."