23 February 2017

The Lascañas confession corroborating the earlier testimony of Edgar Matobato on the existence and operations of the Davao Death Squad is a matter for great alarm and concern.

The imputation of such monstrous crimes to the President is unprecedented in its gravity, and can no longer be brushed aside by mere denials.

Accusations of bribery to media and ouster plots can no longer work and the fact that both witnesses have come forward to accuse the most powerful man in the country, possibly at great risk to themselves, requires that their claims be taken seriously and be given careful consideration.

A thorough, independent, and credible investigation by the Senate into these charges must be promptly pursued, with the full support and cooperation of the President and his administration.

We urge the public to remain vigilant in the face of these alarming developments.

We must unequivocally demonstrate that we are still a nation governed by the rule of law and that we will exhaust all efforts to arrive at the truth.