Malacaсang defends Abalos in NBN deal

Malacaсang on Sunday defended embattled Commission on Elections chair Benjamin Abalos, saying his alleged involvement in the controversial $329-million broadband deal with China’s ZTE Corp. was not an impeachable offense. Presidential Legal Adviser Sergio Apostol said Finance Secretary Margarito Teves had already clarified the role played by Abalos in the deal which would involve the setting up of a national broadband network (NBN) across the archipelago.

I think the allegations should stop already pending the related case filed in court. Let the court decide and weigh the evidence,” said Apostol. He was referring to Abalos’ claim that Teves, in a recent phone call, had supposedly apologized for saying that the Comelec chief was present when the project came up during a discussion at the Wack-Wack Golf Club in Mandaluyong City.

Abalos had claimed he met Teves and Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza “by chance.” But Abalos said over the weekend that he’s willing to face an impeachment proceeding because “I did not do anything wrong.” He vehemently denied playing any role in the negotiations between China and the Philippines on the broadband network.