Makati Business Club: Press Statements

As a forum, the MBC is dedicated to addressing economic and social policy issues which affect the development of the Philippines. The main thrust of the MBC is to foster and promote the role of the private business sector in national development efforts, both in the planning and the implementation of policy.

Makati Business Club Statement on the Role of Malacañang in the Ouster of the Speaker

6 February 2008 --The ouster of Jose de Venecia Jr. as Speaker of the House of Representatives last Monday was a naked display of power by Malacañang. It was retribution for the acts of his son Joey de Venecia who exposed high government officials involved in corruption in the ZTE deal. It sent a strong signal to those who would fight corruption in this country that to do so would mean putting your business, your career, and perhaps, even your life on the line.

The claim that the President could not influence the decision on the House’s leadership was a charade. The explanations by individual representatives of their votes for the vacancy of the Speakership confirmed that the House is merely a puppet of the Executive. Whatever chance of resolving any political crisis involving the presidency, which the House is constitutionally mandated to initiate, is doomed in this Administration.
As this latest demonstration of impunity has clearly shown, the Executive will continue to be immune from indictment for any wrongdoing since it holds the key to political reckoning.

The behavior of certain members of the House, whose lust for power could not be disguised, was deplorable. Many who were expected to vote out of principle or party discipline were disappointments. Since the
motivation to reform and engage in moral regeneration are obviously empty words in that "august body," the payback for these members must have been retention of or accession to positions of power. The avarice of those who accepted other considerations has also been grist for the rumor mill.

In the continuing search for the truth about the ZTE deal, which is the mother of this ouster, we are concerned for the life and safety of Mr. Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada Jr. His reported abduction upon his arrival from Hong Kong last night illustrates the extent to which this Administration would go to protect itself. But as the last regime learned all too late, protecting itself by turning on its own people marked the beginning of the end.

About Us \| Members \| Economic Research \| CongressWatch \| Business Councils \| Regional Affiliates \| Corporate Citizenship
Copyright 2006© Makati Business Club All Rights Reserved