Davide dared to make a stand on legality of Truth Commission

MANILA, Philippines - Former ambassador Hilario Davide Jr. was dared yesterday to take a stand on the legality of the Truth Commission.

Lawyer Romulo Macalintal said Davide should break his silence on the issue to be able to defend the credibility of the body tasked to investigate the alleged anomalies in the Arroyo administration.

“Problem is Davide is not taking any side on the issue, which weakens the Truth Commission’s existence,” he said.

“All we heard from him is a thunderous silence on this issue.”

Macalintal, who was a legal adviser of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, said Davide should have been the very first one to talk about the Truth Commission’s legality.

“If he is not sure of his position, then delicadeza dictates that he should not accept the position,” he said.

“It’s either he accepts and defends it or outrightly reject or politely decline the position.

Advisers of President Aquino should tell him about the problems on the legality of the Truth Commission,” Macalintal said.

Arroyo’s allies led by House Minority Leader Edcel Lagman have already asked the Supreme Court to stop Malacañang from convening the Truth Commission and declare as unconstitutional Executive Order 1 creating that body.