Bill mandates collection of all records on Ninoy slay

The assassination of former Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. was given added importance by Congress with the approval of a proposal for the mandatory collection of all records and documents which may have direct bearing on his death.

The proposal is embodied in House Bill 653 filed by Pampanga Rep. Oscar Ro—driguez. Otherwise known as the Benigno Aquino Jr. Assassination Records and Documents Collection Act, it was approved by the subcommittee on language, culture and arts of the House committee on basic education.

Rodriguez said he filed the bill primarily to ensure that documents and records related to a very important episode in the country’s history are properly preserved.

The bill seeks to require the director of the National Historical Institute to collect and preserve, in separate secure files, all records, documents, testimonies, photographs or plans pertaining to the Aug. 21, 1983 assassination.

These documents shall include those kept in the archives or files of government offices such as the Department of National Defense, Department of Justice, Philippine National Police, the defunct Philippine Constabulary, Agrava Commission, Judge Advocate General’s Office, the Senate and other government offices as well as those in private collections.

Malabon-Navotas Rep. Federico Sandoval, subcommittee chairman, suggested that the records and documents be put in digital form for better preservation.