Cruz Urges Neri to 'clear his name'

MANILA, June 23, 2010-Romulo Neri needs to tell the truth about the botched NBN-ZTE deal, and who are the involved government officials-before it's too late, a Catholic prelate said.

Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz believes the outgoing Social Security System president is an "honest and competent" person had he not tried to protect the Arroyo government.

It's just "unfortunate," he said, that Neri, who was then director of the National Economic Development Authority, was identified with the outgoing administration.

"I have no doubt with his integrity. The misfortunate, Mr. Neri he was a subordinate of the much disrespected and distrusted public official," Cruz said.

The moment Mr. Neri appears in court, the archbishop said what is ideal for the controversial official to do is "clear his name" by "telling the truth."

"It is not fair for him to bear the burden of graft and corruption perpetuated by other people, the most powerful in Malacañang," he said.

And should Mr. Neri decide to come out and provide the necessary information, Cruz said he is willing to provide safe house for him.

The Office of the Ombudsman earlier indicted Neri and former Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos for graft due to their alleged part in the anomalous project.

It, however, cleared President Arroyo from the charges, citing her presidential immunity. Her husband, First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, meanwhile, was absolved due to lack of probable cause.

On Tuesday, the Sandiganbayan's Fifth Division issued a hold departure order against Neri, a day after he posted bail. (Roy Lagarde/CBCPNews)