Agra resignation calls mount

MANILA, Philippines - Two administration senatorial candidates have joined calls for the resignation of Justice Secretary Alberto Agra, saying his clearing of two members of the Ampatuan clan in last year’s Maguindanao massacre has cast doubts on his credibility as justice chief.

Former justice secretary Silvestre Bello III and broadcaster Rey Langit, Lakas-Kampi-CMD senatorial candidates, said Agra gained “public distrust” because of his move clearing Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao and Maguindanao Vice Gov. Akmad Ampatuan in the massacre of 57 people, including 32 journalists and two lawyers.

“This is just my personal thought, but I hope Secretary Agra will consider it because of the public outcry against his decision clearing the Ampatuans,” Bello said.

“His decision has obviously put in question his credibility and integrity as DoJ chief,” he said.

He said the timing of Agra’s resolution was was suspect because he issued it a day after assuring families of the victims that he was still reviewing the Ampatuans’ petition to drop charges against them.

Langit said Malacañang’s order for Agra to submit a weekly report on the progress of the review of his controversial decision was an indication of President Arroyo’s displeasure.

“I believe that it is already tantamount to Malacañang losing confidence in him,” he said.

“I think it would be noble for him to resign, it would be a big service and favor for the entire DOJ family for him to just quit to spare the department from further controversy,” Langit said.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Gary Olivar said Agra must be given a chance to resolve the matter.

“Secretary Agra is already taking some steps—I think he’s even thinking about setting-up a committee to review what he did himself but he’s not part of that committee,” he said.

“He has also said he would listen to those who filed the motion for reconsideration. So he’s maintaining an open mind on this whole issue,” Olivar said.

Press Secretary Crispulo Icban Jr., meanwhile, called on the families, friends and supporters of the victims to keep up their quest for justice.

“Don’t lose hope and as long as I am here (as press secretary) you will have my support,” he said. “The President is behind you,”

Icban attended a rally organized by the Malacañang Press Corps Friday night at the Don Chino Roces (formerly Mendiola) Bridge.

Being a journalist for most of his life, Icban said he was aware of the anguish felt by the loved ones of the slain newsmen.

One of the massacre victims was Bong Reblando of the Manila Bulletin, the newspaper Icban had served for a long time as editor-in-chief before his appointment to Malacañang early this year.

He said he had a phone conversation with the General Santos City-based Reblando shortly before massacre.

The MPC said the indignation rally was a reminder that the media group, one of the most organized in the country, is closely watching the progress of the Maguindanao massacre case.