Aquino tells 3 ‘pork’-linked senators: We followed due process

President Benigno S. Aquino III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines—As part of his Independence Day speech, President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday emphasized the importance of due process and justice, referring at one point to the lawmakers facing plunder cases for the alleged misuse of public funds.

“Ang kanilang sinasabi: pinupulitika lamang raw sila (They said the case is being politicized),” Aquino said at Plaza Quince Martires in Naga City where the main celebration of Independence Day was held.

“Ipaalala lang po natin: panahon ng eleksiyon noong 2013 nang unang lumutang ang balita tungkol sa illegal detention kay Benhur Luy, pati na ang tungkol sa mga pekeng NGO at pambubulsa sa pondo ng bayan,” he explained.

(But we should remember that it was at the time of the 2013 election campaign that news of Benhur Luy’s illegal detention came out, as well as that of the bogus non-governmental organizations and the misuse of public funds.)

Aquino insisted that he instructed Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to not make any accusations without evidence.

“Sinunod natin ang tamang proseso: nagsagawa ng imbestigasyon, nangalap ng mga ebidensiya, at ngayon ay nagsampa ng kaso,” he pointed out.

(We followed due process: embarked on an investigation, gathered evidence, and now we have filed cases.)

“Puwede naman itong ginawa noon nang mabilisan at walang matibay na basehan upang masira ang pangalan ng mga kandidatong dawit sa kontrobersiya, pero idinaan natin sa tamang sistema ang pagpapalabas ng katotohanan. Pagkatapos tayo pa ngayon ang sinasabihan na namumulitika?” the President added.

(We could have railroaded it without strong evidence just to destroy the reputation of candidates involved in the controversy, but we did what should be done for the truth to come out. And now they’re telling me that I have a political agenda?)

During his speech, he also recalled the advice of his father, the late senator Benigno Aquino Jr. who told him that in a real democracy, people fight not only for their rights but also the rights of his opponents.

“Kung yuyurakan mo ang karapatan ng sinuman, darating ang panahon na karapatan mo naman ang babalewalain,” Aquino said, quoting his father.

(If you will violate the rights of others, there will come a time that your own rights will be ignored.)

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