Mamasapano truth commission 'can invite Aquino'

MANILA, Philippines - The proposed truth commission that will investigate the deadly Mamasapano encounter can invite President Benigno Aquino III to its proceedings, senators said Monday.

In a televised press conference, Sen. Teofisto Guingona III said the fact-finding body will have the power to call anyone to testify at the hearings and to tap any entity to produce documents. It can also cite in contempt those who would defy the orders of the commission.

Guingona said "the truth will dictate how high" in government will be made accountable for last week's fatal operation by the Philippine National Police Special Action Force.

Along with Sen. Bam Aquino, Guingona said the president can be invited to the probe although it would be unnecessary to force him to attend the hearings since he would accede.

"I believe that there will be no need for the word 'compel' since we have confidence in the leadership of the President. And we believe that the President will back this truth commission also," Guingona said.

In the proposed bill, which will be filed this afternoon, the fact-finding body will be composed of a chair and two commissioners.

Guingona said the president will have to appoint the members of the truth commission. He floated the names of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide Sr. and former Sen. Wigberto Tañada as possible appointees.

"The creation of this Commission shall be our humble way of honoring our fallen heroes, who served the country with excellence, valor and patriotism. We should not allow their deaths to be in vain," said Guingona, chair of the Senate committee on peace, unification and reconciliation.

On Saturday, Malacañang said the truth commission may no longer be needed since investigative bodies have been formed for the Mamasapano incident.

"Dapat lang siguro pong pag-aralang mabuti kung ito ba ay magiging pinaka-kapaki-pakinabang na hakbang dahil nga po mayroon nang Board of Inquiry, mayroon na ring executive commission 'yung kabilang panig" Communications Sec. Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

But Guingona said there is a need for a "credible" fact-finding body "independent" of the executive department's board of inquiry.