Neri draws flak for gov’t post advice 06/24/2010

Neri draws flak for gov’t post advice

06/24/2010 Senators have expressed their disapproval with Social Security System (SSS) president Romulo Neri’s statement cautioning “honest” men and women against taking any government position, stressing that Neri is not in the best position to give such an “advice.” “His advice is hollow. He covered up a crime,” Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. yesterday said, reacting to the embattled SSS official’s statements. “He’s not in a position to give such advice,” said Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero. Neri is said to be the key person on the matter of alleged accountability of President Arroyo in the controversy surrounding the botched $329-million ZTE-national broadband network (NBN) contract. The then head of the National Economic and Development Authority had told a Senate inquiry that he had informed Arroyo of a kickback offer from former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. who was facilitating the deal in exchange for the approval of the project in the Neda. Neri, as recounted by NBN scam whistleblower Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada to the Senate inquiry, supposedly said Arroyo told him to reject the bribe but approve the project anyway. Neri who appeared to have been under constant pressure from the Palace denied getting the order from Arroyo as claimed by Lozada but admitted he did inform Arroyo about the bribe offer and also said that Arroyo asked him why he did not accept the offered bribe of about P200 million.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100624hed5.html

HEADLINES Binay rejects Noy’s MMDA job offer Wedge among Senate allies favors Villar Erap submits campaign expenses, declares P235.5M spent Corona SC division gets Luisita case Neri draws flak for gov’t post advice Arroyo boasts, defends presidency in farewell speech