Probe of Llamas over DVD a low priority for Noy

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino wants Presidential Political Adviser Ronald Llamas to explain a report and a photograph showing that he was purchasing pirated DVDs.

Speaking to reporters after the “shelter build activities” at the 15.9-hectare relocation site in Barangay Sta. Elena, Aquino said the man in the photo looked like Llamas.

“I assume they are DVDs but...we have to pass through a process,” Aquino said.

“I will ask him first. These are the accusations against you, what is your answer?”

Aquino said he has yet to determine whether Llamas could be held liable for his alleged act.

“I’m sorry if that is not number one among my priorities because there is the Makati bomb blast, the killings of fishermen in (Basilan), there is the problem in Iran (affecting oil prices),” he said.

 “You know the many problems that we have, the DVD (issue) is quite low in priority,” Aquino said.

Llamas reportedly bought a stack of pirated DVDs in one of the stalls at Circle C Mall in Congressional Avenue in Quezon City Monday night.

 Llamas became controversial when police disco­vered high-powered assault rifles in his vehicle after a traffic accident more than three months ago.

As this developed, Siquijor Rep. Orlando Fua and Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy party-list Rep. Pastor Alcover said Llamas should resign, as he has been an embarrassment to the Aquino administration.

“He’s setting a bad example to Filipinos,” Suarez said. “I have to admit that looking at the circle of advisers of the President, he is probably one of the most effective, but I cannot understand why he has to commit those infractions.”

Suarez also challenged Optical Media Board chairperson Ronnie Ricketts and the Intellectual Property Rights Office to take action against Llamas.

Three Catholic bishops also joined calls for the President to impose sanctions on Llamas if he violated the anti-piracy stand of the government.

“He is not above the law. The law must be implemented. This is not the first time that he was caught violating the law,’ Malolos, Bulacan Bishop Jose Oliveros said.

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said Llamas should be sued for setting a bad example.

Retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz for his part expressed concern that Llamas figured in another controversy when he has yet to clear himself of alleged wrongdoing – a reference to the high-powered firearms found in his vehicle.  – With Paolo Romero, Evelyn Macairan