'Challenge vs truth body a sign of fear'

MANILA, Philippines - The challenge raised by allies of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo against the creation of the Truth Commission was a sign of fear, Liberal Party (LP) Sen. Franklin Drilon said yesterday.

“Why be afraid of that when it is only fact-finding? Maybe if you were involved in various wrongdoings, then that is what you would do (file a case),” the former justice secretary and Senate president said.

Drilon reiterated that Executive Order 1 issued by President Aquino to create the Truth Commission was no different from the EOs and administrative orders issued by his predecessors.

He said the Arroyo administration came out with similar issuances to create bodies similar to the Truth Commission such as the Melo Commission and the Feliciano Commission.

There were also other agencies created through EOs and AOs since the Ramos administration, including the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission and the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission.

“Why only now? They were silent when Arroyo created several commissions on the basis of EOs and AOs,” Drilon said, arguing that if the commissions were valid during her term, the Truth Commission must also be valid today.

The Supreme Court petition was filed by House Minority Leader Edcel Lagman, and Reps. Rodolfo Albano Jr. (Isabela), Simeon Datumanong (Maguindanao) and Orlando Fua Jr. (Siquijor), using the argument that the creation of the Truth Commission through EO 1 violates the separation of powers as it arrogates the legislative authority of Congress to create a public office and appropriate funds for its operation.

However, Drilon maintained that the Palace followed the right procedure and that EO 1 did not violate the Constitution.

“The source of authority for the creation of the Truth Commission is the same as that used by Arroyo in creating the Feliciano Commission, Melo Commission and Presidential Anti-Graft Commission,” he said.

“The Truth Commission is just an investigating and fact-finding body with the same powers as the investigating bodies created by Arroyo. It does not prosecute, its findings are recommendatory in nature and submitted to prosecutorial agencies for further action,” he added.