Babe's Eye View article

Those familiar with William Shakespeare would remember these dying words of Julius Caesar in Latin, "Et tu, Brute?"—translation: You too, Brutus?—expressing the incredulity and pain of the Roman dictator at the discovery of his ultimate betrayal by someone he considered as one of his closest friends. Various accounts portray Marcus Brutus as a servant and close companion of Caesar, with some even suggesting that he may have been the son of Julius Caesar.

The fact that a trusted confidante had been a key conspirator in the assassination plot underscores the gravity of the treachery. During that fateful day called the Ides of March, a group of 60 senators lured Caesar into the Senate and stabbed him to death.

Even during the time of Jesus Christ, tales of betrayal were common, like Judas Iscariot who "sold out" his master for 30 pieces of silver, betraying Jesus through a kiss on the cheek that identified him for the soldiers who were out to arrest him. That betrayal and treachery are regarded among the most unpardonable of sins can be seen in Dante's inferno where a special place in hell is reserved for the likes of Judas and Brutus, where they are subjected to eternal suffering as they are repeatedly eaten by Lucifer's three mouths day in and day out.

With the ZTE broadband drama continuing to unfold, this theme of "betrayal" is once again played out, coupled with conspiracy theories that make for a mystery drama that could rival other soaps on primetime television. It's as if Joey de Venecia opened a virtual Pandora's box with everything conceivably bad coming out.

The fact that it's an insider spilling the beans about this controversial broadband deal boils down to power and money, which seem to be the driving force in this whole issue. While the truth about Joey's allegations of bribery and overpricing still has to be established, many question his motivation, saying he is a sore loser out to exact revenge on those who rejected his company's bid for the project.

On the other hand, there are those who think he is credible, someone out to expose yet another example of corruption in the highest places. Yet no matter what kind of motherhood statements Joey may say, people believe that it boils down to the fact that he is smarting because he was cut out of a sweet and cushy deal. That AHI did not have a technical partner and a telecom franchise also undermines the capability of the company to undertake such a complex project.

Complicating the issue are allegations that Speaker Joe de Venecia gave his son the signal to go ahead with the exposé as payback for Malacañang's not-so-veiled attempt to oust him as Speaker. There is also the fact that ChaCha—a long-held passion of JDV—seems to be a dying cause, and that this whole ZTE issue is being used as a stick to force GMA into reviving Charter Change, blackmailing her with another impeachment attempt if she refuses.

The plot gets thicker with rumors that GMA allies will try to oust JDV once again, especially now that a complaint had been filed before the House Ethics Committee against the Speaker for allegedly trying to help his son bag the broadband project.

During the private dinner GMA gave for the Manila Overseas Press Club board last Tuesday, I noticed she was relaxed and didn't seem to be bothered at all about the whole controversy. It seemed like a good move by GMA to finally allow her Cabinet men to attend the Senate probe since it helps dispel speculations that she has something to hide.

Unfortunately, the testimonies of her Cabinet officials only added to the confusion, with even more questions raised instead of answers. It was quite ridiculous listening to all those "hotshot" government officials giving roundabout answers when asked if the ZTE "contract" was an executive agreement or not—because their answers muddled the issue even more.

That's why foreigners are under the impression that we are a confused nation, which reminds me of a diplomat when he first arrived in the Philippines and told me he wanted to know and understand the Filipino better. After three years in the country, I asked him what his impressions were. His answer: he was more confused.

Nevertheless, as pointed out by Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, if the ZTE contract had not been consummated, and for as long as money has not changed hands, then there is really no corruption or bribery to speak of. However, if money has changed hands—aha!—then that's a different story.

With the time, money and aggravation that this whole inquiry is causing, I certainly hope our honorable Senators—especially the presidentiables like Mar Roxas, Manny Villar and even Jinggoy Estrada—will make sure that some good solid legislation comes out of this. There have been so many exposés and inquiries, all of them supposedly in aid of legislation, and many times nothing has come out of them.

As I have said on many occasions, international agreements and deals are very critical to this country. But if we continue this way, then the economy will once again be dragged down. Worse, nobody will want to believe us or will want to do business with this country anymore.

At the end of the day, all of these controversies and scandals are making people tired and angry. Whatever happens, whoever wins or tells the truth—whether it's Joey, the Senators or the ZTE people—there will always be a price to pay for all these. The sad part is—guess who ends up picking up the tab? Good old Johnny dela Cruz.