MANILA, Philippines — Instead of a joint probe with China, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon suggested an independent body to look into the Recto Bank incident last June 9.
“What I will propose is that instead of a joint panel, we should create an independent probe body similar to what was formed in the past during the time of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” Drilon told reporters on Monday.
He cited the Feliciano Commission, which looked into the 2003 Oakwood mutiny and the Melo Commission that probed political killings during the Arroyo presidency.
“Similarly, such a body should be the one created by the President and give that probe body, investigative body jurisdiction to make recommendations, inquire into the Recto Bank incident and submit a report to Congress, submit a report to the President,” said the opposition leader.
“This body, I’d propose, should be composed of men of independence, integrity; a retired SC justice is preferable. By having this, we’re able to resolve this issue with credibility and, at the same time, maintain the sovereignty of our country and our national pride,” Drilon added.
He strongly objected to a joint inquiry being proposed by China on the reported ramming of its vessel on a Philippine fishing boat near the Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“We should not allow it. The law is on our side. There are clear violations of international treaties and our local laws committed by the Chinese vessel,” he said in a statement over the weekend.
Drilon said a joint investigation would only serve China’s interest.
“A joint investigation would derogate our jurisdiction and prejudice our claim in the WPS,” he added. (Editor: Eden Estopace)
READ: Senators oppose joint probe of boat sinking at Recto Bank