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Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Solon says he's nothing to gain from Arroyo-assassination issue
By Jay Dooma Balnig
SANDWICHED between cousin and close friend, Representative Arthur Defensor, refused to comment on the recent statement of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago tagging Senator Franklin Drilon as behind the plot to kill President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Asked on his reaction on the statement of Miriam, his cousin and the possibility the involvement of his friend Drilon, Representative Defensor quipped, "Wala ako ginansyahon kun maghambal ako nga insakto si Miriam o si Drilon (I will gain nothing if I say that either Miriam or Drilon was right)."
He added, "Bahala na ang mga Ilonggo magbinag-binag kun sin-o ang nagahambal sang tu-od. (It's up to the Ilonggos to decide on who's telling the truth)," he added.
Defensor passed the issue to his fellow Ilonggos by saying "Para sa akon, indi ako mag-usik sang panahon para magtugda. (For me, I don't want to waste time reacting)."
"But with this development, It is clear that the relationship of Malacanang and the Senate is seriously deteriorating" he added.
When asked on the implication of former President Corazon Aquino, he stressed, "She a woman of peace, I don't believe in allegations."
It was Ilongga Senator Miriam Defensro-Santiago who exposed the alleged plan of Drilon to power grab by toppling Arroyo from power. And should the plan fail, the group will have Arroyo assassinated.
Santiago branded Drilon as behind the said plot.
Santiago added that according to information she received, the group of Aquino is planning to install Drilon as president and Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino as vice president should the plan succeed.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. branded the said expose of Miriam as highly incredible.
But Gonzalez has already ordered National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Reynaldo Wycoco to conduct an investigation on the said report.
Penalized
Meanwhile, Manila mayor and Liberal Party (LP) national chairman Jose Atienza Jr. Monday said the party may have to discipline party president, Senator Drilon following his stance against President Arroyo.
Atienza said, in an ambush interview after the red carpet welcome hosted by Arroyo for boxers Manny Pacquiao, Rey Bautista and Bryan Viloria in Malacanang, that his party may have to meet soon to discuss and decide on the fate of Drilon.
He said Drilon, being their party president, is dragging the whole party into the oust-Arroyo plot when in fact, majority of their party members support the Chief Executive. He said they are worried about the type of politics that Drilon is adopting.
Atienza, in admitting that the LP is now divided at least in the current political situation, said majority of the party does not agree with the actions taken by Drilon and are now disassociating themselves with him. He added that Drilon has violated several party regulations but did not specify what they are.
"We will come to that (disciplining Drilon). We will have to within the party because rules of the party were violated and definitely the party has to rule on this particular fundamental issue," he said.
Atienza however said no date has been set for the party meeting.
Asked if Drilon is capable of a plot against President Arroyo, Atienza said "Pagka-ikaw ay nalalabuan na ng kagustuhan mo sa kapangyarihan, talagang malalabuan ka na rin sa tinatawag na wisdom (If you can't seem to get anymore what you want from those in power, you also have the tendency to lose some sense of wisdom)."
Bunye said Drilon "set up" Arroyo while Santiago said the Senate President and former President Corazon Aquino are involved in the plot to move the President from power by October 15.
Atienza said he respects Aquino and had been her staunch ally. "Isa akong talagang naniwala sa kanya (I am one of those who believe in her). I hope she can also explain her side and her position on these issues. Right now, I'd rather not comment on the allegations against her," he said.
Safety
Bunye said whether the alleged plot against Arroyo is true or not, the Presidential Security Group (PSG) is prepared to ensure the safety and security of the President and her family.
He said other law enforcement authorities would conduct the necessary investigations to verify the alleged plots. He said this would be done objectively, based on evidence and following due process.
"Unlike the Senate investigations, we are not going on a witch hunt. We will not heap suspicion and insults upon the person of anybody. Other than that, we leave the investigation of the matter to the NBI," he added.
Focus
Bunye added that Arroyo would not be affected by these threats as she focuses more on governance.
He also dismissed allegations that Malacanang is behind alleged smear campaign against Drilon and Aquino.
Bunye said Santiago may have her own sources about her revelations and what he has as basis for his earlier statement is a previous meeting, which he and Drilon had attended.
Replacement of Drilon
He also distanced Malacanang on any possible move to replace Drilon as Senate President. Bunye said it's the business of the Senate and "as for us, it is enough that we have exposed his hidden agenda."
"It is also enough that we have called attention to the fact that so many bills of national importance are languishing in the Senate under the present leadership and this has been due to the numerous investigations in aid of destabilization," he added.
Atienza said it's time to move on and put an end to politicking.(With Sunnex)
(October 4, 2005 issue)
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