Aquino accepts SC ruling on truth commission

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III has accepted the Supreme Court ruling striking down as unconstitutional the Truth Commission that would have looked into alleged irregularities under the Arroyo administration.

Mr. Aquino is banking on newly appointed Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales to continue what the Truth Commission would have set out to do—investigate grafters under the Arroyo regime.

“We can’t do anything. The Supreme Court is the final arbiter of our laws. And we are the implementor of the same,” President Aquino said when asked if the government was already doing away with the Truth Commission.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima also said that she could not see any more need to push for the Truth Commission and that she has high regards for Ombudsman Morales.

The Office of the Ombudsman has the primary jurisdiction over cases filed against erring public officials. With a report from Tetch Torres, INQUIRER.net