KMU doubts fertilizer probe under Davide

After former Agriculture secretary Luis “Cito” Lorenzo expressed willingness to cooperate with investigations into the P728-million fertilizer fund scam, labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno expressed doubts about the results of a probe that will be led by former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.

Davide will head the Truth Commission which President Aquino created to supposedly investigate the crimes of former President Gloria Arroyo.

“Lorenzo’s statement gives the impression that tasks for the so-called Truth Commission are already piling up even before the latter is convened. But first things first: reservations about Davide’s appointment as head of the commission must be settled first. Otherwise, there will be serious doubts about the results of the commission’s probe,” said Lito Ustarez, KMU executive vice-chairperson.

KMU reiterated its objection to Davide’s appointment as head of the Truth Commission, saying the former Chief Justice never uttered a criticism of former President Arroyo and was in fact appointed to a United Nations post by her.

“Davide was appointed head of the Truth Commission supposedly because of his ‘integrity’ and ‘neutrality.’ But how, as a political figure, can you be said to have ‘integrity’ when you never criticized Arroyo in the face of her numerous wrongdoings? How can you be neutral when you have been appointed by her to a special position?” Ustarez asked.

“Unless and until these questions are answered sufficiently, Davide’s appointment will be seen by the Filipino workers and people as another political favor given by President Aquino. Worse, it may be seen as a signal that the Aquino government is willing to leave Arroyo unpunished for her numerous and grave crimes,” Ustarez added.

The labor leader also criticized President Aquino’s statement that the findings of the Truth Commission will only be “recommendatory.”

“Ano ba talaga, kuya? (What’s the real score?) One moment, you were underscoring the importance of the Truth Commission, even including it in your inauguration speech. Then, after Davide’s appointment is questioned, you’re saying the commission’s results will merely be ‘recommendatory.’ Are we being given false hopes?” said Ustarez.