| PGMA's Statement during the Oathtaking Ceremonies of the Last Three Members of the Independent Fact-Finding Body to Investigate the Magdalo Group (Feliciano Commission) |
Study Room, Malacanang (05 August 2003) |
| With the oathtaking of the
three members of the Feliciano Commission, I have completed the composition. Captain
Narciso replaced Captain Bumanlag because Captain Bumanlag while he is on schooling, there
is a technicality - he's still under military payroll -- so I had to look for somebody who
is not on military payroll. And fortunately, the Class of '95 were able to nominate
Captain Narciso. I would have preferred to have the independent fact-finding commission undertake the sole inquiry for purposes of public focus, but I respect the decision of Congress, the two chambers, to proceed with their own. Three parallel inquiries could co-exist in this case: the two, focusing on prospective legislation and the other, on policy matters. It will also allow Senator Honasan three fora in which to air his side: the forums of his peers and the forum of the bench. I am for giving the people the full, unadulterated and an unbridged story about this notorious misadventure and I welcome all responsible efforts towards this end. The truth will prevail. Democracy will prevail. Thank you. |