Opposition vows to block Malacañang appointees

Dismayed by what it called the "continuing policy of vendetta and hate" of the Arroyo administration, the opposition vowed yesterday to get even by blocking the confirmation of all Malacañang appointees in the next Congress.

Puwersa ng Masa-Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (PnM-LDP) spokesman Jesus Crispin Remulla issued this warning in view of a government pronouncement that it would pursue criminal charges against certain opposition candidates even if they won in last Monday’s elections.

Justice Secretary Hernando Perez said his department intends to pursue rebellion charges against PnM candidates Panfilo Lacson, Gregorio Honasan and Juan Ponce Enrile. Lacson and Honasan are in the winning circle, according to an unofficial quick count.

The rebellion case is in connection with the storming of Malacañang by pro-Estrada supporters on May 1. The senatorial candidates are accused of instigating the crowd to march from the EDSA Shrine to the Palace in an attempt to topple the Arroyo administration.

"We find Secretary Perez’s announcement as disgusting. It only shows that the claim of this government for peace and reconciliation is a hollow attempt to convince the public of its alleged sincerity to foster national unity," Remulla said.

He reiterated the opposition’s call for genuine reconciliation with the government based on mutual respect, transparency and fair play.

"But should Malacañang persist on hounding the opposition camp with trumped-up charges, then expect its appointees to sweat it out during their confirmation hearing," Remulla said.

"The Supreme Court had ruled on the illegality of the arrest of Senator Enrile and company. At the same time, Perez has yet to show hard evidence on their alleged role in the May 1 incident. He does not have a case that would stand up in court. He is just bent on persecuting the members of the opposition," Remulla added.