Llamas denies attempt to silence Bishop Cruz

Ronald Llamas. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

President Benigno Aquino’s political adviser has denied a report that he tried to influence Archbishop Oscar Cruz to stop criticizing the administration.

In a statement released by his office, Secretary Ronald Llamas said that unlike the previous administration, the Aquino government welcomes “constructive criticisms” from all sectors.

“The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs categorically denies that it has attempted through any means to try and influence Archbishop Oscar Cruz from criticizing the administration,” the Office on Political Affairs’ statement read.

“It further denies that it has any staff member surnamed ‘Zuñiga’ who reportedly tried to do this,” it added.

Malacañang’s political office said Llamas has the highest respect for Cruz and his advocacies “which are propoor and believes that he can never be influenced by anyone because of his strong convictions on issues of national interest.”

“Unlike previous administrations who try their best to silence and influence perceived critics, the Aquino administration welcomes criticisms from all sectors because constructive criticisms lie at the heart of our democracy and play an important part in rebuilding our nation,” the statement said.

Cruz, a longtime advocate against the illegal numbers’ game “jueteng,” told reporters that a certain “Zuniga” from Llamas’ camp approached former whistle-blower Sandra Cam to ask how the prelate could be kept from further criticizing the Aquino administration.

He said the incident happened in March or April.

Cruz had on several occasions voiced his dismay over the Aquino administration’s alleged failure to stop jueteng and its support for population control programs.

He said he was also incensed when his antijueteng group alleged in 2010 that high-level officials of the Aquino administration where receiving payoffs from gambling lords but the President said the issue wasn’t among his priorities. Norman Bordadora