News Release
May 19, 2010
Former Arroyo officials seeking posts under the new Aquino administration should be required to bare all they know of the outgoing regime before given any appointments.
This was the challenge issued by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan to the administration of incoming president Benigno Aquino III as the umbrella group pressed for the need to have Gloria Macapagal Arroyo investigated and charged for various misdeeds during her nine-year reign.
“It is not surprising that former Arroyo officials will be seeking new appointments under the Aquino administration, especially after their involvement in the Aquino campaign. Some of them appear to be determined to get back their previous posts. These former Arroyo officials however should first make a full accounting of their role in the previous regime.
They should at least be willing to testify against the outgoing president,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.
“Presumptive president-elect. Aquino should make this a requirement for former Arroyo officials who will serve under his administration. If they are to follow the so-called ‘daang matuwid’, then former Arroyo officials should cooperate with any probe that seeks to hold Mrs. Arroyo accountable. They should be required to reveal all they know,” he added.
Former Arroyo officials who have joined the Aquino camp include the so-called Hyatt 10 and lately, former presidential economic adviser Joey Salceda. Former Arroyo Social Welfare secretary Dinky Soliman is expected to assume her old position, based on an announcement made by Aquino.
“It would be a bad start for the incoming administration if it simply carries over former Arroyo officials without even the expectation that they cooperate in making their former boss accountable. It seems only fair and just that the new administration that claims to adhere to the “daang matuwid” (straight path) should demand accountability from all its appointees. Pubic interest should be given more premium than executive privilege,” Reyes added.
Bayan said that Aquino’s term will be measured in part by how it deals with the outgoing president. Mrs. Arroyo is expected to entrench herself and her allies in Congress to gain leverage against any probe into her past acts. Arroyo has reportedly met with the members of the ruling party who won in the last elections.
“The Peruvian example of convicting former President Alberto Fujimori should be studied by the incoming administration. Fujimori was meted out a 25-year sentence for gross human rights violations and a 7 ½ -sentence for embezzlement,” Reyes said.
“The next regime should be wary of how Mrs. Arroyo will consolidate her political power inside the Lower House,” he added. (Bulatlat.com)
