Binay: Having Aquino-appointed probers will ‘cast doubts’ on SAF 44 inquiry

Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines–Vice President Jejomar Binay warned on Tuesday that the appointment of members of the proposed Truth Commission by President Benigno Aquino III would “cast doubts” on its impartiality.

Binay said it could also fuel speculations that the proposed Commission that would look into the Mamasapano incident would “lead to a whitewash even before the probe has started.

“While the creation of the body is an important first step in finding out what really happened and to determine accountability, we need to remove any doubts about the impartiality of its members,” he said in a statement.

“Having the members appointed by the President as proposed by several administration senators will certainly cast doubts on their impartiality. It could fuel speculations that the investigation will lead to a whitewash even before the probe has started. We need to ensure that the investigating body, from the start, is seen as an independent body,” said the Vice President.

Binay then proposed that the Integrated Bar of the Philippines should take the lead in creating a search committee.

The search committee, he said, should conduct consultations to determine who is best qualified to become members of the independent fact-finding commission.

“I further propose that the Catholic Church and other religious groups become part of this independent fact-finding commission, which should include former chief justices of the Supreme Court, and other eminent personalities who are not identified with the administration or any political organization,” Binay added.

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