Lozada may have to seek new shelter

By LESLIE ANN G. AQUINO
August 18, 2010, 4:28pm

After almost three years, National Broadband Network (NBN) ZTE deal whistleblower Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada may have to seek shelter elsewhere.

This is because the shelter part of the sanctuary program of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) might end this October.

“The shelter part might end by semestral break,” Sr. Mary John Mananzan, AMRSP chairperson, said in an interview.

But, Mananzan said, their assistance to Lozada won’t end completely.

“The other aspects (of the program) such as the legal and the accompanying part that will continue,” she said.

The AMRSP official said they are anxious because the threat to Lozada’s life is still there.

“The danger is still there because he’ll be the witness in the case against (Romulo) Neri and (Benjamin) Abalos not to mention his 16 harassment cases,” Mananzan said.

“Our anxiety remains because we feel the case will further intensify…we are still going to be with him,” she said.

Mananzan’s group provided sanctuary to Lozada when the latter’s life and family was being threatened after he linked the Arroyos to the scandal-marred project.

Lozada served as consultant to Neri who was then director general of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) at the time of the negotiations of the NBN deal with China ’s ZTE Corporation.