Ateneo Stands for Truth, Accountability and Reform
Official Stand in support of the campaign for Truth, Accountability and Reform
The Senate investigations on the NBN-ZTE deal have allowed key witnesses including Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada to divulge critical information regarding acts of corruption in the formation of this deal. This served to expose how deeply entrenched corruption is from the lower levels all the way to the top of the ladder in our government. The Ateneo Student Body feels strongly against the prevalence of graft and corruption in the government that is mandated only to serve the Filipino people and not select officials. We, therefore, as a united student body, support the campaign for truth, accountability and reform in government.
However, this is only the first step in an uphill fight for truth. We call on other individuals, like Romulo Neri, who have information about these dealings to reveal what they know to the general public, and allow the proper bodies to take steps in ensuring that this type of corruption will never happen again. For example, the Senate and House of Representatives can reform the procurement processes in government, and the courts can punish all who are found guilty of corrupt acts.
We still believe in the constitutional process in addressing these issues. We believe that all these processes should be exhausted. Therefore, we continue to call for transparent and aggressive investigations into the NBN-ZTE scandal. We cannot hastily call for the resignation of any government official including President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo until the whole truth is revealed to us. However, the Ateneo Student Body is ready to join calls for her resignation, in line with its steadfast support for truth, accountability and reform, if the government under her administration remains uncommitted in revealing the complete truth about these matters. This can be concretely done by repealing Executive Order 464.
We call on our government officials to remember that running for public office is not a vocation to pursue greedy and selfish interests, but one of selflessness and service toward the Filipino people and the country as a whole.
We call on the Ateneo community: students, faculty, staff, and alumni, to keep vigilant in our search, and demand for the truth regarding corruption in the government. This is a dark time for our country, and only the truth can lead us to the light.
Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng Ateneo de Manila
Council of Organizations of the Ateneo
Cervini-Eliazo Resident-Students Association
