P-Noy clears Peping, Tingting

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has virtually cleared his uncle, former Tarlac Rep. Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr., and aunt, United Nationalist Alliance senatorial bet Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco, of their alleged involvement in the current Sabah issue and the perceived plan to sabotage the Mindanao peace process.

According to a press statement issued by Melchor Amado Jr., the Cojuangco couple’s media consultant, the President sent a personal text message to his uncle, which belied an earlier report that the Cojuangco couple might have a hand in the brewing conflict in Sabah and in the plan to derail the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

As quoted by Amado, the President’s text message read: “Uncle Joe, we are looking for who is instigating them. Neither you nor Aunt Ting have been mentioned in any report to me.”

In the Cojuangco family circle, the President calls Peping “Uncle Joe.” In the text message, the Sulu Sultan and his family are referred to as “them.”

Cojuangco said he was glad the President clarified the matter and blamed certain personalities in the Palace allegedly issuing false and unfounded statements to discredit him and his wife in the eyes of the President.

“It is an obvious attempt to drive a wedge between the President and myself as well as my wife who is in the UNA senatorial ticket,” the former Tarlac lawmaker said.

He said Tingting developed close ties with the MILF and various indigenous peoples in Mindanao when she undertook research on Muslim history and culture while pursuing a doctorate degree.

During the snap election called by then President Ferdinand Marcos, Tingting headed the Mindanao campaign bureau for then presidential candidate Corazon Aquino.

“The Cojuangco family is one in supporting the President in his desire to achieve a lasting peace in Mindanao and his drive to curtail corruption, contrary to what other people say,” Cojuangco said.