KIKO: SENADO, 'DI MAGPAPADIKTA SA
PALASYO, SA SINUMANG TAO O GRUPO!

In view of allegations that some members of the Senate blue ribbon committee have been "co-opted" by Malacanang and a Palace-backed businessman to stall the NBN ZTE investigation until the public and media lose interest, Senate Majority Floor Leader Kiko Pangilinan insisted "it is untrue that the probe is in limbo."

"It appears that there are groups and individuals on both sides of the political fence who wish to dictate on the committee how it is to do its job with respect to the ZTE hearings."

But Kiko assured the public that the Senate will continue to assert its independence and will not be cowed by "groups conspiring to conceal the truth or groups wanting to use the committee as a staging ground to pursue their own political agenda."

"They will not succeed. The probe will continue at the pace necessary to achieve its purpose without being forced by vested interests one way or another," said Kiko.

Some senators believe President Gloria Arroyo cancelled the corruption-tainted broadband network project with China to influence the Senate to end the investigation.

"I have spoken with the chairman and I have no reason to believe that he is allowing anyone or any group whether for or against the NBN ZTE probe to dictate the terms and conditions of the conduct of the probe. It appears that some who disagree with how the probe is proceeding are resorting to spreading innuendos, lies and malicious rumor mongering to force the committee's hand to act in a manner they deem acceptable. Their dirty tricks will not succeed."