NEWS RELEASE
12 February 2008

Reference: ALPHONSE RIVERA, Spokesperson (09296076157)

CHILDREN AND CHILD RIGHTS ADVOCATES ADMIRE LOZADA'S "COURAGEOUS ACT"

The Salinlahi Alliance for Children's Concerns has joined different
civil society organizations in supporting Rodolfo Lozada for exposing
the anomalous ZTE-NBN deal and in seeking accountability from the
corruption-filled Arroyo administration.

"We admire Mr. Lozada's courageous stand. It is an act that should be
well-emulated by our children especially at this time when
truthfulness and transparency among government officials are but empty
words," declared Alphonse Rivera, Spokesperson of the alliance.

According to Rivera, it is unimaginable that these government
officials sleep soundly at night even after pocketing the government's
coffers, knowing pretty well that the amount could feed millions of
hungry Filipino children. "How shameless can this government be that
in the face of children committing suicide because of poverty, it is
so pre-occupied in covering up for corrupt officials?"

To show their support for Lozada, children from the Children's
Collective, a group of children advocates, are planning to troop to
the Senate and give red and white roses to Mr. Lozada and the
senators. They will also give a letter to Mr. Lozada that encourages
him to continue telling the truth about the deal because their future
will be affected in the long run. "Do not be afraid to tell the
truth. Do not be afraid of the government because it is just the
government. We are part of the people in supporting you," the
children's letter read.

Salinlahi urged all other child rights group and individuals to stand
for the country's future and against the corrupt Arroyo government.
"Through its brazen corruption, the Arroyo government officials steal
not only funds but the children's future as well. Let us hold the
Arroyo government accountable for its corruption. Let us stop this
government from further corrupting our future generation," Rivera
concluded. ###