Aquino allies in Senate rally behind him

Former President Benigno Aquno III. AP FILE PHOTO

Former president Benigno Aquino III’s allies in the Senate expressed support for the former Chief Executive after the Ombudsman ordered the filing of charges against him over the Mamasapano massacre in January 2015.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said he trusts that Aquino “can ably defend himself” against the usurpation of authority and graft charges for his alleged hand in the operation that led to the death of 44 police commandos.

“As a friend and former colleague in the Senate, I feel for former president Aquino as he stands trial before a court of law. I trust that he can ably defend himself,” Lacson said in a text message to reporters on Friday.

“I can only urge him to get the best lawyers to handle his case. I join those who are praying that he will be able to withstand the pressure, both on his health and well-being. I’ve been there myself and I know how it feels,” Lacson said.

Aquino’s ally and Liberal Party president Senator Francis Pangilinan said the party will stand by Aquino.

Pangilinan said the party supports Aquino’s actions in relation to Mamasapano “as imperatives in good faith to advance the cause of justice and peace in Mindanao.”

“The Liberal Party expresses its faith in the ability of Former President Benigno Aquino III to defend his actions before, during and after the tragic Mamasapano event,” Pangilinan said in a text message.

Pangilinan said the LP also trusts Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, an Aquino appointee, that she will oversee this necessary process of truth, seeking with fairness and credibility.

“The Liberal Party stands by President Aquino, as well, in his life-long commitment to the peace process in Mindanao, and see his actions in relation to Mamasapano as imperatives in good faith to advance the cause of justice and peace in Mindanao,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senator Bam Aquino said he is confident that his first cousin will “sufficiently answer the charges laid before him and be vindicated.”

“During the concluded Senate investigations, the former President was candid and transparent with his role and involvement in the Mamasapano tragedy,” Aquino said.

“We hope that this case will be an opportunity for the courts to reveal the truth and, once and for all, settle this incident in accordance with the rule of law,” he added.

But for his part, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian heaved a sigh of relief that Aquino will finally be made to answer for the Mamasapano tragedy after more than two years.

“After more than two years, President Aquino and other government officials responsible for the Mamasapano Massacre will finally be made to answer for this tragedy before the courts,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

He hopes that the “masterminds of Mamasapano” will be held accountable for betraying the trust of the Filipino people.

“I pray that these proceedings will grant the families and loved ones of the SAF44 the justice they deserve, and that the nation will find the closure it seeks when the masterminds of Mamasapano are finally held accountable for betraying the trust and confidence of the Filipino people,” Gatchalian said.