Palace: PNoy cannot be impeached over Mamasapano debacle

MANILA, Philippines - The results of the two government probes on the fatal Mamasapano mission are not enough grounds to impeach President Benigno Aquino III, Malacañang said Wednesday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the executive department disagrees with groups who are planning to impeach Aquino by banking on the Senate committees' and the Board of Inquiry (BOI) reports that pointed out Aquino's possible lapses in the Mamasapano operation.

"Well, obviously, we do not think so. Perhaps, at this point, it would be more important for them to look at Congress to see how its leaders feel about any moves to impeach the President," Valte said during the regular Palace press briefing.

Released last week, the BOI report said Aquino broke the Philippine National Police (PNP) chain of command when he dealt directly with then Special Action Force (SAF) commander Director Getulio Napeñas and allowed then suspended PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima to take part in the Mamasapano operation.

The BOI said Aquino bypassed PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina when he dealt directly with his close friend Purisima, who has since resigned.

Malacañang disputed the BOI report, saying Aquino did not violate any law or the PNP chain of command since it is a civilian organization and he “exercises full and absolute control and supervision” over every police official.

The draft Senate report released on Tuesday said Aquino must bear responsibility "for giving assent to and failing to prevent the unlawful exercise of official functions" by Purisima in connection with the botched operation.

The Senate report said Aquino should now show "unquestionable leadership," accept responsibility for all of his decisions and admit his mistakes.

But for the Palace, the President has accepted responsibility and has shown leadership in the wake of the Mamasapano tragedy by looking after the plight of the families of the 44 fallen SAF commandos.

"The President has repeatedly expressed that he is responsible for what had befallen the SAF, and that moving forward, one of his responsibilities would be to make sure that their deaths are not in vain and that the ones that they have left behind will be cared for," Valte said.

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