Defensor decides to cancel appearance before ‘people’s court’

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Michael Defensor has decided against appearing before the Citizens’ Congress for Truth and Accountability (CCTA) to represent President Arroyo, who is being tried purportedly for electoral fraud.

Defensor decided to forego his planned appearance before the people’s tribunal following statements made by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye claiming he would be acting on his personal capacity.

Malacañang insisted the CCTA which will try Mrs. Arroyo on allegations of electoral cheating is a kangaroo court which has no legal personality to enforce its decisions.

"I think he (Defensor) reads your stories," Ermita told newsmen.

"I asked him, ‘are you really going?’ and he said ‘I am looking for somebody who can be there but not necessarily myself," Ermita said, quoting Defensor.

Ermita added telling Defensor: "Bahala ka (It’s up to you)."

Ermita claimed he had no idea why Defensor was quoted as saying that he would attend the CCTA hearings to represent Mrs. Arroyo.

Defensor has repeatedly announced his resolve to appear and represent the President before the people’s court in several interviews with the media.

"But I am looking for somebody instead of me, he (Defensor) said. That’s his call," Ermita said.

Bunye likewise said there are indications that Defensor is no longer interested in attending.

"We have issued our statement before, we have said that this kangaroo court has no legal basis," Bunye pointed out.

Ermita added they do not want the CCTA to be dignified and allowed to make a mockery of the country’s judicial processes.

"Maybe they’ll have it in a basketball court for all we know," Ermita remarked.

"We don’t have to say our preference, we are just saying that we don’t think we should give much importance to it knowing that it’s beyond the law," he said.

Following the declaration of CCTA’s team of lawyer-presenters that Cabinet officials would be welcome to appear during the proceedings this month, Defensor said he would oblige.

Lawyer Romeo Capulong said the CCTA would most likely invite Defensor "because of his confidence and willingness to prove before the Citizens’ Congress that Mrs. Arroyo won in the 2004 elections."

Defensor served as the campaign spokesman of Mrs. Arroyo during last year’s presidential run off.

Capulong said other officials who would be willing to represent or witness for Mrs. Arroyo before the "people’s court" would be welcome.

"Since this kangaroo court is being done for propaganda, it would be best if somebody from the administration would be there to somehow balance the accusations," Defensor earlier said.

Defensor, however, gave a condition for attending the CCTA trial.

"I’m willing to attend... so long as I’d be face-to-face (with) the President’s accusers, some of whom were even with her during the 2004 campaign. I hope they’ll be there," he said.

Defensor said he is prepared to present evidence to prove that all the accusations against the President are baseless.