Bernadette E. Tamayo
December 7, 2010
Journal Online
THE Supreme Court ruling nullifying the creation of the Truth Commission for being unconstitutional is “a setback” to the Aquino government’s campaign against graft and corruption, Senators Franklin Drilon and Francis Pangilinan said
However, they said this setback should not deter President Benigno Aquino III from exhausting all legal means to make public officials during the Arroyo administration answer allegations of graft and corruption.
”Clearly, this decision is one of the many legal obstacles laid down by the Arroyo administration to prevent the former administration from being made to answer to the Filipino people for its abuses and excesses. Its putting in place nearly 1,000 midnight appointees to key government positions is another example of that attempt to suppress public accountability,” Drilon said.
Pangilinan expressed fear that the ruling “may unwittingly create the public perception that the former president cannot be investigated and cannot be held liable for her actions, and may further harm the image and reputation of the Supreme Court.”
However, he is still confident that the former president will inevitably be held liable for the scandals that rocked her administration.
Pangilinan expressed hope the Supreme Court will reconsider its position and “allow the President to fulfill his campaign promises.” He added: “With all due respect, the Supreme Court should be a partner and not a stumbling block in the Aquino administration’s anti-corruption efforts.”
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