Bam Aquino opposes Senate report conclusions on peace process

MANILA, Philippines – While in agreement with the “majority” of the observations in the Senate report on the Mamasapano incident, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said he will propose, if necessary, amendments to conclusions in the draft document on the peace process.

“As much as we agree with majority of observations found in the committee report on the Mamasapano incident including the President’s responsibility which he himself stated in a public address last month, we feel that there were conclusions made on matters that were beyond the scope of the hearing,” Aquino said in a statement on  Thursday, March 19.

The senator made the statement a day after he signed the draft committee report where he wrote, “with reservations and will amend,” beside his signature. (READ: FULL TEXT: Senate report on Mamasapano)

“Primarily, these include conclusions made regarding the peace process, the actions of the Government Peace Panel and regarding the Bangamoro Basic Law in general,” Aquino said.

The report scored the peace panel for negotiating an agreement that is allegedly not fair to the government, citing in particular the “high cost of appropriations and allegedly allowing the creation of a sub-state.” (READ: Senate report says BBL unfair to government)

Aquino said he has written the committee to seek clarification. “If need be, we will propose amendments to the committee report when it is tackled on the floor,” he said.

Nine other senators who signed the report also expressed reservations and indicated alongside their signatures that they may amend it.

They are Senators Nancy Binay, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Gregorio Honasan, Loren Legarda, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Aquilino Pimentel III, Ramon Revilla Jr, and Vicente Sotto III.

The Joint Committee Report was drafted by the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs with the committees on peace, unification and reconciliation, and finance. – Rappler.com