This story was taken from Bulatlat, the Philippines's alternative weekly newsmagazine (www.bulatlat.com, www.bulatlat.net, www.bulatlat.org).
Vol. V, Special Release, Sept. 7, 2005

Reconciliation offer ‘pure hypocrisy’
‘Arroyo Should Reconcile with Her Conscience if She Still Has One,’ Says Solon

The hand of reconciliation being offered by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and House Speaker Jose de Venecia to pro-impeachment congressmen is “pure hypocrisy,” says Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño. 

“The offer of reconciliation is pure hypocrisy. It is premised on concealing the truth and obstructing justice. Without truth and justice, reconciliation is just a long, meaningless 14-letter word,” said the party list representative. 

Casiño, who voted to reject the Justice Committee report dismissing the impeachment complaints against the President, said reconciliation could only be possible “if President Arroyo allows the truth to be heard.” 

“But since she and her henchmen in Congress have stonewalled the truth and sabotaged the impeachment process, how can reconciliation be done?” asked Casiño.

“Perhaps the only reconciliation possible now is for Mrs. Arroyo to reconcile herself with her conscience, provided she still has one,” the young solon added. 

The young solon said there was no stopping the pro-impeachment congressmen from telling the public everything that they had uncovered about Mrs. Arroyo’s impeachable acts. “It is our obligation, as representatives of the people, to inform the public about the crimes of the President.”  

“The ball has been passed from Congress to the people whose sovereign will is superior to that of Congress or the President. If they want, the people can and should device their own way of knowing the truth and seeking justice. That is the essence of People Power,” he said.

Reference: Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro A. Casiño ♦ 0920-9035683

                    Jeffrey Ian Dy ♦ 0922-812-0927