MANILA, Philippines -- The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) voiced support for Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., key witness in the Senate inquiry into the scandal-tainted national broadband network (NBN) deal, and urged people to join street protests scheduled Friday to denounce rampant corruption in the government.

IBP president Feliciano Bautista, in a press conference Wednesday morning, said: “We are greatly appalled and concerned by the revelations made by [Chinese firm] ZTE [Corp.]-NBN deal witness Rodolfo ‘Jun’ Lozada, Jr. during the Senate investigation.”

“We condemn and oppose all kinds of corruption. There could be no ‘moderation of greed,’” he said.

Lozada told the Senate that close allies of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo demanded kickbacks from the project. He also claimed that former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr., who allegedly brokered the deal between the government and ZTE Corp., threatened to kill him.

“We would like to join the parliament of the streets and denounce the violations of the Constitution and the law,” Bautista said.

He added the IBP is ready to help Lozada and to extend legal assistance to all those who might be prosecuted for joining the Friday protest.

Bautista also said the IBP will “take immediate action” on complaints against lawyers who may have violated their oath and ethics in connection with the Senate investigation into the $329-million deal, which was scrapped following allegations of kickbacks and bribery.

While he declined to name lawyers who might face sanctions, Bautista said a lawyer who forces someone to sign documents violates the profession’s Code of Ethics.

In his testimony to the Senate, Lozada claimed lawyer Antonio Bautista made him sign a letter requesting police protection. The lawyer denied Lozada’s claim.

The IBP president said as of now no complaint has been filed against
Bautista yet.