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Sen. Poe: Ombudsman indictment chance for Aquino to defend himself


The recent order of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales to file charges against former President Benigno Aquino III in connection with the deaths in 2015 of 44 Special Action Force commandos will be a chance for the  former chief executive to explain his side, Senator Grace Poe said on Saturday.

"Para sa akin, simple lamang 'yan, noong pangulo si Pangulong Noynoy, syempre hindi siya nabigyan ng pagkakataong mag-explain sa Senado. Ngayon na may kasong ganyan, may pagkakataon siyang depensahan ang kanyang sarili," Poe said on the sidelines of a Philippine-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry event in Iloilo City.

Poe chaired the Senate committee that investigated the Mamasapano incident in 2015.

The Ombudsman, on Friday, ordered the filing of charges against Aqunio for his alleged role in the anti-terrorist operation that led to the deaths of 44 police commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. 

In the investigation, the Ombudsman said Aquino continued to receive Purisima's advise, as shown by the text messages presented in the Senate probe on the massacre and from various affidavits.

At the time, Purisima was under suspension suspension over the alleged anomalous courier service deal the PNP entered under his leadership.

Aquino will be charged with usurpation of authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code and violation of Section 3(a) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Co-accused in the case are former Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima and former Special Action Force Director Getulio Napenas.

"Makikita natin na pagkakataon ito, at magkakaroon na rin ng pagtatapos o closure kasi napakatagal na ng Mamasapano at hanggang ngayon, 'yung mga apektado, mga biktima, hindi pa rin nila alam kung sino bang nahahatulan," Poe said.

"At kung ikaw naman ay wala namang dapat kasalanan ay depensahan mo ang iyong sarili," the senator said. —John Ted Corder/LBG, GMA News

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