Arroyos to be summoned in Neri’s NBN trial

MANILA, Philippines—State prosecutors intend to call former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo as the first witnesses against former Social System Security administrator Romulo Neri in the alleged rigging of the government’s National Broadband Network deal with China’s ZTE Corp.

Assistant Special Prosecutor III John Turalba said the former president would be called to testify on the extent of Neri's authority with regard to the undertaking, adding that she cannot refuse to testify or comply with the order of the court under the law.

Neri was the director general of the National Economic and Development Authority from 2006 to 2007 at a time when proposals for a national broadband network were submitted to the Neda for approval. Neda is tasked with approving the feasibility of all multi-billion-peso flagship projects of the government.

Neri is accused of involvement in the rigging and overpricing together with former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr.

Now Pampanga Representative Arroyo herself has been accused of pushing for the contract with the ZTE Corp. but was not charged during her presidency because of her immunity from suits then.

Leila Salaverria, Phil. Daily Inquirer