Poe gives way for Guingona to tackle proposed truth commission

MANILA, Philippines—Senator  Grace Poe on Tuesday said she would not object to the request of Senator Teofisto Guingona III to lead the hearings on the proposed creation of the truth commission that will look into the Mamasapano clash.

“If  he’d  like to take over those hearings, then he  can go ahead and do it. Well of course, pending the approval of the Senate President,”  Poe said.

The bills proposing the creation of the truth commission were referred to the Senate committee on public order chaired by Poe.

Guingona, who chairs the Senate committee on peace, unification and reconciliation, was among those who initiated the measure.

Poe told reporters that Guingona made a verbal request to transfer the bills to his committee.

“He’s actively making the rounds, that’s OK.  He’s very capable,” Poe said, adding that she has no objection since it would allow her to focus on looking into the Mamasapano incident, which was also referred to her committee.

“But it doesn’t mean I don’t support (the truth commission),” Poe said. “It’s a matter of expediency and time also.”

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