Don't Single Out Arroyo – Cardinal Rosales

MANILA, July 2, 2010-Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales is in favor of a Malacañang move to investigate the alleged crimes of former President Gloria Arroyo.

But Rosales is not happy with how things are currently going on in terms of looking into a wide range of controversies surrounding Arroyo's nine years in power.

He said that if the current administration is serious in putting closure to so many issues of graft of corruption, it should include even the past presidents or administrations.

Arroyo, he said, should not be singled out in the bid for justice against the sins of government officials who are now devoid of immunity from lawsuits.

"It's just right to bring (before justice) all those who violated the law, not just one person, so that it would (appear) as a lesson to all," said Rosales told reporters Friday.

He noted that while Arroyo could be liable for some wrongdoings, she is not the only one who should be charged.

"We should be consistent. Even former presidents who allegedly committed similar mistakes during their administration should be submitted for investigation," Rosales said.

Last Thursday, militant group Bayan Muna sued Arroyo before the Justice department over the botched $329-million national broadband network (NBN) project in 2007.

Arroyo, who is now Pampanga's 2nd District Representative, allegedly connived with her husband, Jose Miguel, in favoring Chinese firm Zhong Xing Telecommunication Equipment Company Limited (ZTE) for the contract.

For his part, Jesuit priest Joaquin Bernas, a constitutionalist, urged the newly-established Truth Commission to work with the government in gathering evidences against the former president.

He said it would be better if the two panels join forces since it would make their work more efficient.

"The commission can help the DOJ in gathering evidences in trying to determine whether there is guilt or none," said Bernas.

Earlier this week, President Benigno Aquino III announced the formation of a truth commission to be headed by former Chief Justice Hilario Davide that aims to gather evidences of wrongdoing by Arroyo. (CBCPNews)