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Friday, January 23, 2004
Editorial: Uncover the truth
JUDGING from what happened in the Senate hearing Wednesday on the alleged fabrication of documents against presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr., it’s either National Archives head Ricardo Manapat was either lying through his teeth or telling the truth.
Poor Mr. Manapat. It was as if he was in a den filled with lions that tore him apart as he testified before the Senate committee on Constitutional amendments, revision of laws and code. Everybody, including his subordinates, was against him.
While Mr. Manapat claimed they have on microfilm the marriage certificate of Allan Fernando Poe Sr. and Paulita Gomez, his subordinates said there is no such record.
The senators also took turns pinning down Mr. Manapat on his statements.
Later, three workers of the National Archives testified that they saw their boss forge documents that accompanied a disqualification suit against Mr. Poe. Mr. Manapat denied the allegations, calling them as “mere lies”.
But wait. Mr. Manapat has taken an indefinite leave of absence from his job Thursday as he accused “powerful forces” who protect Mr. Poe as those behind the demolition job against him. Malacañang has appointed a replacement for Mr. Manapat.
With all the accusations and counter-accusations flying over the issue, an investigation of the National Archives chief and the allegations against him should be done now and swiftly.
Malacañang had assured that they will ferret out the truth behind the allegations against Manapat. We trust their word and hope that there would be no whitewash of the inquiry. Those found guilty should be punished as well as kicked out of government service.
(January 23, 2004 issue)
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