Press Release
February 15, 2006
PIMENTEL DEPLORES GMAS REMARKS PREJUDGING ULTRA-TRAGEDY PROBE
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Nene Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban)
today expressed concern that the integrity of the government panel
investigating the Ultra tragedy has been put under a cloud of doubt
by the statement of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo virtually
laying the blame for the incident at the doorsteps of ABS-CBN
broadcast network.
Pimentel said the Presidents statement on the case is unfortunate
because it has the effect of prejudging the government inquiry being
conducted by a team formed by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez.
That will certainly affect the outcome of the investigation because
the probe panel of the Department of Justice, under Secretary
Gonzalez, will tend to hew to what the President has publicly
pronounced on the incident, he said.
The minority leader stressed that investigation of tragic incidents
like the Feb. 4 stampede at the Philsports Arena (formerly Ultra) in
Pasig City should be pursued in the most impartial and objective
manner if the people are to keep faith in the administration of
justice in the country.
The investigation of the Ultra tragedy should be beyond the
influence or narrow interest of any group, leader or family that has
a stake in the case. The quest of justice for the victims of the
tragedy should prevail over the personal view or bias of the
President, Pimentel said.
He stressed that the probe should be insulated from partisan
politics or the political agenda of any group if the outcome is to
be credible and acceptable to the victims, their families and the
general public.
In view the prevailing circumstances, Pimentel said it would be
advisable for Malacañang
to heed the clamor from various quarters to
form an independent body that would get to the bottom of the tragedy
that marred the first anniversary of the Wowowie TV variety show. |