Ombudsman won’t call GMA to NBN hearings
Probe panel maintains President’s immunity to suits; complainants’ lawyer walks out
By Jesus Llanto
Researcher,Newsbreak
March 26, 2008–The Ombudsman’s investigating panel on the botched national broadband deal on Tuesday denied the motion to subpoena President Arroyo to its hearings, prompting the complainants’ lawyer to walk out of the session.
Lawyer Jose de Jesus, spokesman for the investigating panel, said that the panel ruled that it does not have the jurisdiction over Ms. Arroyo because she is immune from suits while she is sitting as President.
The President, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, former Commission on Elections chair Benjamin Abalos, and former National Economic and Development Authority chair Romulo Neri are among the respondents to the complaint filed by former Vice President Teofisto Guingona.
