By Ronnel Domingo
Five influential business groups and think tanks reiterated Friday that their call for Commission on Elections Chair Benjamin Abalos Sr. to resign for his "indiscreet conduct" in the controversial national broadband network deal.In a joint statement, the Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Foundation for Economic Freedom Inc. and Action for Economic Reforms said they were "appalled that the culture of impunity among government officials appears to have spread to an extent exceeding that of all past administrations."
"A glaring example is that of Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos who had no business in allowing himself to be entertained by officials of ZTE Corporation, a potential contractor of the Republic, particularly considering he had an important electoral exercise to administer. His indiscreet conduct and absence from his official duties could only have happened if he believed he was immune from sanctions. We therefore reiterate our call for Chairman Abalos to resign," the business groups said.
Abalos has been accused of allegedly helping to broker the $330-million broadband deal with China-based ZTE Corp. by connecting key Cabinet officials like Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza with executives of the Chinese company.
source: The Philippine Daily Inquirer
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