Aquino signs EO creating Truth Commission (4:20 p.m.)

MANILA -- President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Friday signed his first Executive Order forming the Truth Commission that will investigate alleged anomalies committed by the previous administration.

In a press briefing, Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the President just signed the EO allowing the commission to start their duty officially.

“Today I signed Executive Order No. 1, establishing a commission to investigate allegations of anomalies during the last nine years. The process of bringing a necessary closure to the allegations of official wrongdoing and impunity has begun,” part of the signing statement of President Aquino read.

The President also said this was in compliance of his promise of forming the commission in his first 100 days in office.

The fact-finding body will be headed by former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, who will be assisted by Justice Secretary Leila De Lima.

De Lima said the commission will investigate alleged graft and corruption and other cases hounding the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo such as NBN-ZTE deal and Hello Garci.

Aside from investigating, De Lima said the commission has the power to recommend filing charges and compel witnesses to appear before the court.

She said the findings will be submitted to the Ombudsman and the Congress.

She also stressed that the commission will not focus on Arroyo administration but will also investigate anomalies in the other administrations. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)