MANILA, Philippines - Senate minority leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr on Tuesday sought an investigation into the expenses of the Senate in protecting NBN-ZTE star witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada.
Pimentel decried the "financial abuse" in the handling of Senate witnesses, who also include Engr. Dante Madriaga, also a witness in the Senates NBN-ZTE probe.
"If we are going to allow such wanton misuse of the money of the Senate intended for a good purpose but being misused, we have to account for that to our people," Pimentel said in a privileged speech.
The Senate minority leader expressed shock when he learned that P2 million had been spent for the security arrangements of Lozada and Madriaga.
Lozada and Madriaga, witnesses in the Senate probe on the $329.48-million ZTE broadband network deal, testified on irregularities in the contract.
Pimentel said he wants to find out if Senate funds were used for other purposes.
He said he wants the Senate accounts committee headed by Senate majority leader Francis Pangilinan to account for the expenses.
He said the expenses for the witnesses must be closely supervised by the Senate.
Pimentel, however, said the Senate should continue to provide protection for the witnesses.
I dont blame Mr. Lozada or Mr. Madriaga. I blame the Senate, these personnel who are handling this matter. I think we should investigate them because, otherwise, we waste the peoples money and in the process abet wrongdoing in this country," he said.
Earlier, pro-administration Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile sought to remove Lozada's security escorts after learning of the expenses involved.
Opposition Senators Francis Escudero and Panfilo Lacson opposed the idea, saying the witnesses deserve security.
Lozada's camp said his other expenses, including travel, were paid for using funds raised by nuns.
Pangilinan has referred the probe to the Senate accounts committee and has instructed the Senate secretariat to account for the P2-million expenses. - GMANews.TV