FSGO: Arroyo is at the center of government anomalies

MANILA, Philippines – After Malacañang ignored their recommendations to curb corruption, former senior government officials under different administrations said Thursday that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is at the center of anomalies hounding the government. The group calling itself the Former Senior Government Officials (FSGO), however, fell short of calling for Mrs Arroyo’s resignation, saying such would depend on the individual decision of its members. A GMA Flash Report said the FSGO has lost its confidence on Mrs Arroyo as the group questions her moral authority as well as her authority to govern. As of posting time, Malacañang has yet to comment on the FSGO remarks. Earlier, a dzBB radio report said the members of the FSGO, who met Thursday at the historic Club Filipino in San Juan City, decided to join the scheduled rally for truth and accountability in Manila Friday. Former Civil Service Commission (CSC) chairperson Karina David said the FSGO is now questioning if Mrs Arroyo is fit to run the government, as recent events showed the Palace has a hand in covering up anomalous transactions. David added the cover-ups rendered useless the Palace's repeal of Executive Order 464, which gags officials of the executive department from testifying before congressional investigations. She urged government officials to examine their consciences if they should still serve under President Arroyo. Also, she said the FSGO will continue using its influence to make ordinary Filipinos aware of corruption and the problems they cause. Earlier, the FSGO called on the President to undertake concrete steps to substantiate her anti-corruption claims: * Order former Socioeconomic secretary now CHED (Commission on Higher Education) chair Romulo Neri to resume his testimony before the Senate investigation without any restrictions or limitations; * Order the release and delivery to the Senate of all public records pertaining to the NBN-ZTE deal, starting with the minutes of the NEDA Board meetings on the project; * Suspend Transportation Sec. Leandro Mendoza and assistant secretary Lorenzo Formoso, the department being the lead for this project; * Suspend Environment Sec. Jose Atienza Jr, PNP chief Dir. Gen. Avelino Razon Jr, Deputy Exec. Sec Manuel Gaite, Deputy NAIA chief Angel Atutubo, Senior Supt. Paul Mascarinas and all those involved in the alleged attempt to prevent ZTE witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr from testifying; and * Order a halt on any further attempts by the DOJ, DENR, NBI and BIR to harass Lozada and those who are testifying in congressional investigations on corruption charges. Malacañang, on the other hand, scored the former government officials for "dictating" on President Arroyo. - GMANews.TV