Malacanang has rejected calls to replace the members of the government peace panel who have drawn flak from certain senators and legislators for allegedly exhibiting bias for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) regarding the Mamasapano bloody encounter.
Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr., the members of the government negotiating panel still have the full confidence of President Aquino.
Coloma said presidential peace adviser Secretary Teresita Deles and chief government negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer were just fulfilling their duties based on the advice they have been getting from the President.
“Ginagampanan nila ang kanilang tungkulin nang ayon sa patnubay na ibinibigay ng Pangulo,” he said.
Senators Francis Escudero and Alan Peter Cayetano, as well as several other lawmakers called for the replacement of Deles and Ferrer.
Escudero and Cayetano have pointedly criticized Deles and Ferrer for speaking out for the MILF’s interest.
Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, Pangasinan Rep. Kimi Cojuangco and several other party-list lawmakers earlier said Deles and Ferrer should be fired for allegedly acting like lawyers of the MILF.
(Eagle News Service)
