State prosecutors appealed the dismissal of the graft case of former National Economic Development Authority (Neda) Director General Romulo Neri the allegedly overpriced national broadband network (NBN) deal with Chinese firm ZTE during the Arroyo administration. Neri was cleared by the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division when the court granted his demurrer to evidence. In its motion for reconsideration, the Office of the Special Prosecutor said the evidence presented against Neri was sufficient to sustain his indictment for graft. The prosecutors said Neri even played golf with ZTE representatives and Abalos, alleged to be the one who lobbied for ZTE in the project. READ: Sandigan dismisses Arroyo’s NBN-ZTE caseMeanwhile, Abalos was acquitted in his separate graft case for having financial interest in the project.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer September 28, 2016 12:40 UTC