National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales at Senate Blue Ribbon

Testifying before the Senate blue ribbon committee yesterday, National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales grudgingly admitted he signed the contract on his own authority with Venable LLP on July 25, and nothing more.

In the next three hours, Gonzales evaded senators' simple questions like who paid the firm's monthly retainer of $75,000, who were the private individuals who donated money to pay the firm and who referred him to the Venable executives.

"I think he's a fall guy," said Senator Richard Gordon. "He's covering up for certain people. I salute him for his loyalty," he said but he said he wished he would show the same loyalty to the Filipino people.

PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
TJ Burgonio