Arroyos Not Afraid of ‘Truth’ Body — Solon

MANILA, Philippines – If the objective of the Truth Commission is to flush out the truth about the past administration’s actions and not to waste people’s money to smear the names of its officials, then the Arroyos have nothing to fear.

Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio Arroyo aired this view as he chided presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda for challenging officials of the previous government administration to end moves of blocking the Truth Commission from doing its job.

Reacting on the same statement by Lacierda, House Minority Leader Edcel Lagman said the Malacañang spokesman is apparently “blinded by an obstinate desire for propaganda” in claiming that those who have committed no wrong should not be afraid of the Truth Commission. “Lacierda refuses to understand that the challenge against the commission is not because of fear but is motivated by the duty to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law,” said Lagman.

He added: “Neither is the commission being questioned to block the investigation and prosecution of officials of the Arroyo administration who can be brought before existing investigatory and prosecutorial agencies like the Department of Justice and the Ombudsman without inventing the Truth Commission.”

Created under Executive Order No. 1 issued by President Arroyo, the Truth Commission was formed to determine the truth behind allegations of widespread corruption and other wrongdoings allegedly committed by the previous government.

Ben Rosario, Manila Bulletin