NEWSFLASH 

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SENATE PROBE OF ERAP SHOWBIZ PALS URGED

Manila, March 16, 2000 - In line with his policy of transparency and openness, President Estrada urged the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Wednesday to pursue an investigation into the alleged involvement of his show business friends in a P273 million contract involving the purchase of fire trucks by the government.

Estrada said in a radio interview that Sen. Aquilino head of the blue ribbon committee, should push through with a probe on this issue to determine any irregularities in the initial bidding for the fire truck contract.

“Maganda niyan ay maimbestigahan ng Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. Sinabi ko kay Senator Pimentel na pursigihin ang imbestigasyon para malaman ang buong katotohanan (The best thing to do is for the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to investigate the issue. I urge Senator Pimentel to investigate the matter to know the whole truth behind this)," Mr. Estrada said.

Mr. Estrada also belied reports that his friends in the movie industry had interceded on behalf of one of the interested parties in the contract to influence the outcome of the bidding.

“No company has yet been awarded the contract. I ordered a rebidding to erase all doubts on the issue concerning the bidding),” he said.

Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora said the re-bidding of the contract would ensure full transparency in the bidding process.

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