Retired military officers urged to testify in poll fraud hearings

Malacañang on Saturday encouraged retired military officers to testify in ongoing investigations into alleged irregularities in the 2004 and 2007 elections. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that while it is up to the retired officers to decide whether to attend, they may still want to clear their names. “That is entirely up to them. We leave it to them to decide whether to appear or not... Kung gusto nila linawin ang kanilang pangalan, ang dapat gawin pumunta doon at mag-participate," she said on government-run dzRB radio. Valte reiterated the Palace does not see any conflict between the investigations by Congress, and by the Commission on Elections and Department of Justice. “The legislators belong to a separate and coequal branch of government. They are perfectly free to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation," she said. When asked if the Palace will order active officers to attend the House of Representatives investigation, she said there is no need for it. “Wala hong ganyang directive si Pangulong [Benigno] Aquino [III], unless meron silang ibang gagawin that they are out on official business sila bahala mag-notify to the chamber that is inviting them... Nakita natin ‘yan in previous Senate and House hearings, dumarating ang ating opisyal," she said. Meanwhile, Valte said the Palace will be watching former Armed Forces chief of staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr.’s expected testimony before an investigation into the poll fraud. Reports quoted Esperon as saying he is ready to face the probe. “Tingnan natin ang magiging paliwanag niya (Let’s see what his explanation will be)," Valte said. – JE, GMA News