Four Executives from the Philippines BayanTel, led by its Chief Consultant, Tunde Fafunwa, while in the course of attending the Pacific Telecommunications Conference (PTC) in Honolulu, Hawaii, were each served with sub-poenas directing them to appear and provide testimony before a Grand Jury investigating charges that Philippine telecommunications carriers violated U.S. Anti Trust Law through alleged price fixing in the establishment of rates on calls from the U.S. and terminating in the Philippines.
Initially and for the purpose of having the BayanTel executives apprised of their legal rights under U.S. Law, BayanTel asked former SEC Chairman Perfecto Yasay, who happened to be in Honolulu, to provide advice, with the understanding that such services were of a temporary nature, and shall last until suitable legal representation is secured. BayanTel has since engaged on 13 January 2004 the services of Washington DC law firm , Vinson & Elkins, to represent it in all related proceedings before the U.S. Department of Justice. Vinson & Elkins is being assisted by Honolulu lawyer David Gierlach.
All inquiries regarding the investigation shall be directed to Vinson & Elkins in accordance with the terms of our engagement.
BayanTel says that it has consistently endeavored to comply with and follow Philippine laws and regulations in all its dealings with the public, just as it is fully aware that its obligations to our nation compel it to ensure compliance with applicable foreign regulations as well. It is in this light that we continue to cooperate fully with the investigation."
Posted to the site on 26th January 2004
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/10483.php