Press Release
March 21, 2009

Press Statement of Senator Loren Legarda

On reversal of DOJ on 'Alabang Boys' case

I doubt very much if Malacanang would have gotten wind of the conflicting claims over the so-called Alabang Boys' case had not the Senate looked into them through public hearings. Though the Senate probe was in aid of legislation, it ventilated matters that caused a review by the Palace of the DOJ resolution.

The important thing is that all parties concerned - from the PDEA and DOJ personnel who exchanged bribery allegations, to the young men accused of using illegal drugs - should be given their day in court to prove their charges or defend their innocence. -30-

On World Bank pledge to RP of $1-B each year

The World Bank pledge intended for poverty alleviation and good governance must be properly utilized to have an impact on the lives of our suffering people and to minimize, if not altogether stop, graft and corruption in our country.

International and multilateral grants almost always come with strings attached, with many coming in the form of loans. Thus, we should also be selective in accepting them. As we are already buried deeply in debt, we should not be so willing to incur more debts just because loans are being offered us. -30-

On CHR seeking additional funding

It's understandable if the Commission on Human Rights would seek additional funding from foreign donors and organizations like the European Union, following the turning down by Congress of its request for a 100 percent increase of its P253 million budget for 2009. But CHR must first study the legality and ramifications of seeking foreign funding, more so since government agencies are expected to stay within the respective budgets allocated them by Congress.

At the same time, the CHR must ensure that foreign funding, if it can be sought legally, must not in any way influence its operations as the commission must always be seen as impartial and objective in keeping with its mandate to protect human rights.

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