St. Theresa’s College,  Q.C.

Statement

"and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."       John 8:32

Amidst all the unresolved issues we are facing now, we again find ourselves with another controversy. The investigation being made by the Senate and the media mileage on the NBN-ZTE deal has revealed contradicting statements, conflicting interests and allegations of the persons involved. The enforcement of E.O. 464 is hindering the people's right to information. Executive Order 464 requires all heads of departments of the Executive branch of the government to secure the consent of the President prior to appearing before the Senate or House of Congress. Is there an attempt to hide the truth from the public? Is the truth being corrupted? Is truth becoming evasive?

The Constitution of the Philippines states that public office is public trust. People who hold public offices must be held in high esteem and deemed trustworthy by their constituents.

As a community committed to seeking the truth, we strongly oppose E.O. 464 which blocks the process of searching for the truth.

We demand that the witnesses in the Senate probe, involving the NBN-ZTE deal, be allowed to divulge, without any undue influence and fear for their lives and security, the true extent of their participation and identify the other participants of the aborted deal.

In this light, we in this community, call on all freedom-loving Filipinos to denounce a culture of tolerance and apathy, to take active part in our search for the truth and the restoration of true democracy in our country. We support the initiative of the Church, some universities and other civic groups in the provision of sanctuaries and the collection of funds for whistle blowers.

Our country has suffered much! We had more than enough of fraud, dishonesty and betrayal! Enough of lies and deceptions! We demand that all forms of corruption be put to an end. It is time to stand together! Let us uphold Truth and Accountability for Public Life and Service! We enjoin you to be part of our TRUTH CAMP as we continue to participate in building our nation's foundation for a clean and honest government. As Mohandas Gandhi mentioned in his work "Non-violence in Peace and War", "truth never damages a cause that is just." Long live TRUTH…This will set us free!