Jun Lozada vs Friends

Truth: the most deadly weapon ever discovered by humanity. Capable of destroying entire perceptual sets, cultures, and realities. Outlawed by all governments everywhere. Possession is normally punishable by death.– John Gilmore

After the ZTE deal star witness Jun Lozada came out in the open to tell the public through the senate hearing about what really happened, the situation is now “Jun vs Friends.”

The quote mentioned above is very timely for Jun Lozada’s present situation. Will Jun Lozada die for telling the truth? Will the truth wreck the bond he has with his friends?

In the senate hearing, Lozada mentioned names of some persons who happens to be his friends–DENR Secretary Lito Atienza and also former cabinet member Mike Defensor.

In the previous hearing, he told the senate and the press that he was abducted by some men after he came to NAIA from Hong Kong. Then, Lozada said that Mike Defensor who happened to know him since 2004, went to him and told him to have a press release and tell the press that he was not abducted. He (Lozada) was also given a money worth P50,000 which according to Defensor was a monetary help from him. However, Lozada gave back the money to Defensor while in the hearing.

At first, Defensor denied the statements of Lozada but as the hearing goes on, he eventually gave in and confirmed that he asked Lozada to have a press release and deny that he was abducted. That time, their friendship was bound to be ruined in exchange of truth.

Atienza on the other hand volunteered to testify to clear his name. The issue here was Atienza was said to be the one responsible for Lozada’s flight to Hong Kong to avoid testifying in the senate and linking him tot he men who abducted him in the airport.

These men were also invited to the hearing along with Senate probe are Environment Secretary Jose Atienza, Deputy Executive Secretary Manuel Gaite, Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon Jr., and airport officials. As the hearing goes on, a lot of names were being included in the said issue, Senior Superintendent Paul Mascariñas, “SPO4 Valeroso”, Angel Atutubo, wife of Joke Arroyo, Atty. Bautista and others.

Now, the questions are, will friendship and fear win over the call for love of country? Does the truth always prevail? Will this end to another people power revolution? Is this not enough to move the people to fight for their country against graft and corruption? Does Lozada’s bravery will only end up to nothing?