Palace: Gov’t doing its best on Maguindanao massacre case

MANILA, Philippines – On the eve of the 5th anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre, Malacañang said that government is doing its best to secure justice for the victims.

In an interview with state-run Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday, November 22, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that government remains sympathetic to the families of the victims, and hopes for a speedy resolution of the case.

“Nasa inyo po ang commitment ng pamahalaan na ginagawa po namin ang lahat para hindi ho magkaroon ng delay doon sa kaso at hindi ho kami maging source ng delay,” Valte said. (You have the government’s commitment that we are doing everything so that there are no delays in the case, and that we do not become the source of delay.)

Sunday, November 23, marks 5 years since the gruesome 2009 massacre, where 58 people, including 32 journalists, were killed. (INFOGRAPHIC: Maguindanao Massacre case, 5 years on)

In a press statement, Vice President Jejomar Binay also said, “We owe it to the victims and their families to give them the speedy justice they deserve. The concerned government agencies should not lose focus. The resolution of the worst single political killing in the country should always be a major priority.”

Binay added that while pushing for justice for Maguindanao massacre victims, “we must also continue to uphold and respect the freedom of the press. We must ensure that those who practice journalism remain free from harassment and acts of violence.” 

Pushing forward

The Palace responded to comments regarding the slow pace of the trial, saying that government is doing everything it can to push the case forward.

Reacting to charges that impunity continues in the Aquino administration given the slow pace of the trial, Valte explained that the executive branch is not the only branch of government involved in the case.

“The executive is only part of the prosecution. Hindi po tayo ‘yung dumidinig ‘nung kaso, hindi po tayo ‘yung gumagawa ng mga desisyon, at tumatanggap sa hukuman ng mga desisyong ito,” she said. (We are not the ones hearing the case, we are not the ones making the decisions, or accepting these decisions.)

“We can assure you that our efforts have been concentrated on pushing the case forward,” Valte reiterated.

She added that President Benigno Aquino III is open to providing any additional assistance to the victims’ families, especially their security. – Rappler.com