PNoy allows Senate to get SMS conversation with Purisima

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED 5 p.m.) - President Benigno Aquino III has approved the request of the Senate to get a copy of his text messages to then suspended Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima during the Mamasapano operation.

In a statement, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the President, through Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., gave his consent to a request from the Senate concerning the release of transcriptions of his SMS conversations with Purisima in the early hours of January 25.

"This is in keeping with upholding the dignity of the office and maintaining the principle of separation of powers and respect for a co-equal branch of government," Valte said.

Her statement was also a response to calls for Aquino's attendance at a congressional inquiry into the Mamasapano incident.

Valte said the President "encourages any action that would contribute to arriving at the truth at the soonest possible time."

"The pursuit of justice must be defined by a strong commitment to the truth. President Aquino has been unwavering in his support for truth-seeking regarding the Mamasapano incident," Valte said.

However, Valte warned lawmakers against using the SMS conversation and the Mamasapano investigation for their own agenda.

"We therefore leave it to the responsible members of Congress to arrive at a methodology that will aid their investigation, bearing in mind that the inquiry should remain focused on its primary mission: to uncover the truth," Valte said.

"In this manner, the process will not be abused by those who might be inclined to take advantage of the occasion to advance personal motives," she added.

Aquino is facing his worst political crisis for his perceived ineptitude in handling the Mamasapano mission that led to the deaths of more than 60 people, including 44 Special Action Force commandos.

After saying that he was misinformed regarding the botched January 25 operation, Aquino has been widely criticized for not admitting fault and for passing the blame to relieved SAF commander Getulio Napeñas.

In their separate reports released recently, the Board of Inquiry and the Senate committees that probed the Mamasapano incident pointed out that Aquino allowed the involvement of then suspended Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima in the planning and execution of the operation.

The Senate report even said Aquino is "ultimately responsible" for the outcome of the operation.

It added that Aquino should show "unquestionable leadership," accept responsibility for all of his decisions and admit his mistakes.

Aquino's trust and approval ratings nosedived to their lowest levels following the Mamasapano tragedy.