DE LIMA AGREES TO LEAD DELEGATION TO HK / BISHOP: WHERE ARE WE GOING TO?
MANILA, JANUARY 4, 2011 (STAR) By Edu Punay - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has agreed to head the delegation to face Hong Kong authorities investigating the Aug. 23 hostage crisis in Rizal Park in Manila. TO
"I have to go as chair of the IIRC (incident investigation and review committee)," she said. "I really don't have a choice."
De Lima said she expected to receive this week instructions from President Aquino on who would go with her to Hong Kong.
She said the scope of Hong Kong's investigation must be clarified to determine if the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) could cover the proceedings.
"And if it (MLAT) applies, we also have to insist that the Hong Kong authorities make a statement as to the applicability and desirability of the MLAT," she said.
"Because there are enough provisions there that would protect the witnesses."
De Lima and 115 others had been invited by Hong Kong authorities as witnesses.
Last week, De Lima advised Aquino to first seek clarification from Hong Kong as to the extent and scope of their investigation and make sure the witnesses to be invited would not be prosecuted.
De Lima said it is important to know if the proceedings would fall under MLAT.
If it would be established that the MLAT would apply to the invitation, the witnesses may refuse to cooperate, she added.
Where are we going to? Bishop seeks appointment of capable Cabinet men By LESLIE ANN G. AQUINO January 3, 2011, 5:56pm
MANILA, Philippines – A senior Catholic prelate Monday said he is expecting new Cabinet members to be appointed this year because as of now the Philippines is going nowhere with the way it is governed.
Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos said the New Year is a time for President Benigno S. Aquino III to replace current members of his Cabinet with more capable people.
"I am dreaming actually, praying and hoping that he will be a President. Meaning, he will exercise actually his presidency because as of now malabo and I don't know where we are going exactly with the way he's trying to run the government," he said over Church-run Radyo Veritas 846 Monday.
Pueblos said the Chief Executive should appoint people because they are capable and not because they are his friends.
He said he looks forward to a possible change in his people – those who are capable and not just because they are his "barkada" or loyal to his mother or father and those who helped him win during elections because of money, influence, and everything. So, let the government be run by capable people.
The prelate reminded Aquino that the reason people supported him was because there is such an aspect for a change. I for one am ready to support him but the way it is being run, mukhang malabo. Where are we going to?" Pueblos asked.
Malacañang earlier said any one among President Aquino's Cabinet secretaries may either be sacked or moved to another post this January.
Communications and Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang earlier said that three executives would be involved in Aquino's first Cabinet revamp since he became President.
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