Random Critique

Critical Evaluation of Different Subject Matters

Recently, the Arroyo administration is facing another challenge: The ZTE broadband deal.

About ZTE
First off let's try to know something about ZTE. Corporation is a global telecommunications equipment and network solutions provider based in China with regional offices in Asia, Africa, America and Europe. In the information written on wikipedia, the only legal controversy encountered by the company is Philippine National Broadband Network controversy.

About the Philippine National Broadband Network Deal
This was about the US$ 329.5 million contract for a national broadband network (NBN) that will improve government communications capabilities. The said deal will link all government offices online.

About the Philippine National Broadband Network Controversy
Last year (2007), a Filipino businessman in the name of Jose "Joey" de Venecia III, son of House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., lost the bidding to ZTE and told senators that the ZTE proposal was overpriced by $130 million to accommodate kickbacks demanded by ex-elections commissioner Benjamin Abalos and the president's husband, Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo. The details can be found here.

About the Philippine Politics
Over the years, (or at least since the time I started to notice the world of Philippine Politics), any administration that was put into power has always had legal controversies. Since Marcos up to today, there has always been strong oppositions to their plans and actions. Marcos was ousted through people power. Aquino faced coup d etats. Ramos has always been criticized by his Vice President who was Erap. Erap was ousted again by another people power. Recently, the Arroyo administration is about to face the same fate. Series of controversies has plagued her leadership.

What do I think?

Well, many have judged the government far too quick. That's to be expected. Even without proper evidence and just succumbing to hearsays, they march to the streets and shout for justice. I wonder if they ever had concrete evidences as to their accusations. I don't blame them. I too have some doubts. However, I think there is more to this than just plain controversies. What I would like to know is "Are there other stakeholders involved (directly or indirectly)?" Do we really know the whole truth about these scandals? Are these people really acting on their personal interests or are they forced into it? Can ZTE corporation be really involved in this? (With this recent scandal as the only legal issue faced so far). If they have been doing this kind of business, how did they miss out on camouflaging this (If you're already good at it, why miss out and why on a third world country?) How do we know this isn't just a show?