Drilon defends truth body from GMA allies By Angie M. Rosales 08/14/2010

Drilon defends truth body from GMA allies By Angie M. Rosales 08/14/2010 An ally of President Aquino in the upper chamber yesterday criticized the move of opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives seeking to nullify the creation of the Truth Commission before the Supreme Court, claiming that this was nothing but an effort to shield former President Arroyo, now a representative of Pampanga’s second district, from being subjected to an investigation. “I would not want to put motive into this but it seems to be gearing toward that, their intention in filing the petition, because of the many anomalies of the previous administration that are the subject of probes by the Truth Commission,” Sen. Franklin Drilon said in a radio interview, referring the observation of many that members of the House minority bloc are out to “protect” Arroyo. Some minority bloc members from the lower chamber have asked the high tribunal to declare Executive Order (EO) 1 that effected the creation of the truth body as unconstitutional. House Minority Leader Edcel Lagman, along with opposition Representatives Rodolfo Albano Jr. (Isabela), Simeon Datumanong (Maguindanao) and Orlando Fua Jr. (Siquijor), stood as petitioners in the case. The said congressmen, known close political allies of Arroyo, argued, among others, that 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. Drilon, however, echoed the statement of Malacañang that it has sufficient legal basis and that it did not violate the 1987 Constitution.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100814hed4.html

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