Manila, Philippines, August 7, 2019 –
The Temporary Restraining Order has been lifted on the charges filed against
the former president Benigno Aquino III and two others. The said charges
involves graft and usurpation as the Malacañang Palace distance itself from the issue.
Since the
Executive branch has a separate governance from the administration, Presidential
Spokesperson Salvador Pañelo stated that the palace will let the case be solved
by the Judiciary Branch alone.
“The
President and this Administration will always give deference to and uphold the
rule of law regardless of the political and social stature of those involved in
cases pending before the Judiciary,” – Pañelo.
Charges
against Benigno Aquino III, Former PNP chief Alan Purisima, and former PNP SAF
director Getulio Napeñas are open up once again to give chance for the
resolution of the case that took place on 2015. The case was filed by the
Office of the Ombudsman on 2017 after finding the potential cuse of the
incedent.
“We
believe that the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan can tackle this
matter with independence pursuant to their respective mandates,” – Pañelo added.
As for
the outdate, the filed case originate from the unsuccessful operation “Oplan
Exudos” that happened in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in fighting against the
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) together with Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF). This operation results the death of 44 SAF members.
During
2018, the court issued a TRO that seize the charges due to the appeal of
Solicitor General Jose Calida that the Ombudsman file a 44 counts of reckless
imprudence against the three that results to homicide.
