Aguirre to LP: Investigation on destab links to proceed

MANILA, Philippines -  Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II yesterday rejected the Liberal Party (LP)’s call for him to withdraw an order for the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to build up a case against several opposition lawmakers for alleged involvement in destabilization plots against the Duterte administration.

“I will be remiss in my duty if I have not issued that order,” Aguirre said in a text message, stressing that investigating allegations or information involving criminal offenses is part of the mandate of the Department of Justice and the NBI.

In Department Order 385 issued last week, he directed the NBI to probe the alleged meeting of some opposition lawmakers prior to the Marawi City terror attack perpetrated by the Islamic State-inspired Maute group.

He described this as possibly being a part of a destabilization plot against the administration and instructed NBI Director Dante Gierran to look into the supposed link of “some senators and other opposition leaders.”

“The NBI is hereby directed and granted authority to conduct investigation and case buildup over the alleged destabilization plot against the government of the Republic of the Philippines by some senators and other opposition leaders, and if evidence warrants, to file the appropriate cases against those who may be found liable,” read the order. 

The LP cried foul over the order and demanded Aguirre to recall it and to “stop the political harassment of members of Congress and the opposition.” It added that it is studying the legal options against Aguirre.

Earlier, Aguirre said some in the opposition, including LP Senators Paolo Benigno Aquino IV and Antonio Trillanes IV, went to Marawi City last May 2 to meet with local clan leaders in what was allegedly the planning of the current crisis in the city.

The DOJ chief later cleared Aquino and personally apologized to the senator for his “confusion” on several information he received.

No similar apology, however, came for Trillanes and two other personalities he mentioned during a press conference last week – Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano and former presidential adviser on political affairs Ronald Llamas.

Aguirre, instead, said the probe would push through and stressed that it is necessary precisely to determine the veracity of the information.

Asked if he would attend a Senate inquiry on the controversy as proposed by Sen. Grace Poe, Aguirre answered in the affirmative.