Power of 'Truth' to be known soon

The nation will soon know the power of "Truth"— specifically the "Truth Commission," headed by retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide.

Davide submitted to the Palace on Monday the proposed powers of the Truth Commission that will probe the corruption scandals of past administrations, particularly in the Arroyo government.

Malacanang thus hopes it could release within the week the executive order creating the commission, Executive Secretary Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa Jr. said in an interview.

"He sent a draft already," Ochoa said, but refused to disclose details. "Nakafocus na kami dun (We are now focused on that)."

President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III announced June 29 that Davide will be heading the commission. Davide has also been tasked to draft the scope of the powers of the commission, including the issues that it will investigate.

There is no shortlist of names yet of the other commission members but the Palace is looking at around three to five members, Ochoa said.

He said Malacañang is reviewing the draft thoroughly to ensure that there are no legal loopholes.

Ochoa said they are also studying ways to give the commission some "teeth" because the body is projected to be only "recommendatory, "with no power to issue subpoenas or file charges in court.

In a separate interview, Aquino said he wants the Truth Commission to produce outputs that cannot be assailed by any quarter.

While he has not yet seen the draft executive order, Aquino said his legal team is working thoroughly on it to ensure there would be no errors.

"Magkakaquestion ng katakot-takot pag hindi mo nailagay lahat ng detalye (There will be a lot of questions if you don't include all the details)," Aquino said. –VVP, GMANews.TV

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