Lawyer sues Arroyo for 'obstruction of justice'

A human rights lawyer on Friday filed a case of obstruction of justice against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and 14 government officials before the Office of the Ombudsman. Lawyer Romeo Capulong accused Arroyo and the officials of involvement in the alleged attempt to prevent Rodolfo Lozada Jr from appearing before a Senate inquiry into the controversial national broadband network project. The Ombudsman can issue preventive suspension orders on the respondents, except the President who is immune from suit. Capulong alleged that the respondents conspired to prevent Lozada from testifying before the Senate. Capulong asked the Ombudsman to immediately place the respondents under preventive suspension. Aside from the President, also charged were Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, Commission on Higher Education Chairman Romulo Neri, Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Manuel Gaite and his staff Marcelino Agana IV, National Police chief Avelino Razon Jr., PNP-Police Security and Protection Office's Chief Superintendent Romeo Hilomen and Senior Superintendent Paul Mascarinas, Presidential Adviser for Special Concerns Remedios Poblador, Aviation Security Group's Roger Valeroso, Angel Atutubo and Octaviano Lina of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, former Environment secretary Michael "Mike" Defensor, and lawyer Antonio Bautista. The case stemmed from the claim of Lozada that he was abducted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon his arrival from Hong Hong two weeks ago. Capulong's group said the actions of the government officials were "illegal acts." Lozada, allegedly, upon orders from Malacanang, flew to Hong Kong on the same day he was expected to give his testimony before the Senate, prompting the senators to order his arrest. - GMANews.TV