More so that the suspects who at first, so conveniently corroborated
the PNP’s theory and even pinpointed masterminds now claim at being
tortured into admission. They have recanted their statements. Their
voices have added to the cacophony of confusion and perplexing questions.
Who were the targets? Five people died and several more were seriously
injured. Was a single individual its sole target or was it the House
of Representatives as an institution? What was the motive of the attack?
That it occurred at the eve of the House of Representatives Committee
on Justice impeachment hearings and the Senate investigation on the
ZTE scandal raises suspicion that it was meant to divert the public’s
attention or send a strong political message to the House of
Representatives. Indisputably, it is clear that the House of
Representatives is the target of the blast.
Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, the victims are scarred
physically and emotionally. While physical injuries can heal the
trauma of the brazen attack can remain forever.
Mr. Speaker, I do not feel safe. I do not think anybody in this
chamber does, knowing at the back of our minds that anyone of us could
have been the target of that blast. We will know no peace, no
security, until such time that a credible, impartial investigation is
conducted, the real perpetrators are prosecuted and justice is served
to the victims.
The House of Representatives owes it to the victims and our families,
to every one of us and to our constituents to have an impartial probe
on this tragedy.
I have raised doubts and questioned the investigation and the hastily
arrived at conclusions of the Philippine National Police. We in
Gabriela Women’s Party have long been calling for a thorough,
independent, impartial investigation of the blast.
Mr. Speaker, we have filed House Resolution 331 calling for the
creation of a special multi-party committee of members of the House of
Representatives from the majority, the minority, the Liberal Party,
Gabriela Women’s Party and LAKAS-NUCD representing Reps. Wahab Akbar,
Henry Teves and myself, to conduct a parallel investigation on the
November 13 attack on the House of Representatives and for the said
committee to render a report to the House of Representatives upon the
conclusion of its investigation. I call on you my colleagues to
support our call for justice and urge immediate action on this resolution.
We cannot rest until justice is served.
Thank you Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues.
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