Statement of Sen. Aquilino Pimentel on Maguindanao Carnage

On whether President Arroyo has political will to go against the Ampatuans. Unfortunately, the President never had any political will except in instances which favors her. But this time, I think the magnitude of the offense is so horrible, that you can probably call it as a crime that calls to the heavens for vengeance.

A test case for the Arroyo government -- One of the so many test cases. But specifically, insofar as the murder of several people is concerned, this is probably the first one that is facing her administration.

On whether Maguindanao carnage should be investigated by the Senate. I think the Senate should no longer step into this case. The concerned authorities should directly act. Otherwise, we will only tend to delay procedures. And besides, what time do we have considering that it is budgetary season already.

Governor Andal Ampatuan should be taken into custody by the police. I am suggesting that he be detained as a material witness considering that the reports of the military from Maguindanao indicate that the ones involved were militia men in the employ of the Andals.

Should Ampatuan be held for questioning? Of course, how can he avoid being investigated in connection with the murder when the men who supposedly perpetrated the killing were militiamen under his employ. That's what I heard. If that is true, then certainly at the very least, Andal is a material witness.

A backhoe bearing the name of the provincial government of Gov. Ampatuan was used in digging the ground where dead bodies were dumped. There were many indications that would connect Gov. Andal unfortunately to this incident which he will have to explain. We are not saying he cannot explain - but he should be made to explain.

On military action needed. My immediate reaction is for the Marines specifically to be sent immediately to the area. I am not even proposing the imposition of a state of emergency because I think the administration can run after the culprits even without the state of emergency.

GMA and Gov. Ampatuan are very close to each other. We cannot allow such a dastardly act to go unpunished no matter who the perpetrators are. We know that Gov Andal is very close to the President. We know that he makes it a habit to kiss the hand of the president whenever they meet and ah, kilig na kilig naman ang Presidente. And therefore, it is about time that the rule of law be upheld to set an example that even in the Moro areas of Mindanao, crime does not pay.

Proposal for early elections in Maguindanao next year. Since inevitably there will be election in 2010, the election in Maguindanao should be held 10 days before the date of national and local elections so that all the agencies of government involved in the elections, including the maintenance of law and order, would be concentrated in Maguindanao and prevent massive, fraudulent manipulation of elections such as what was done in the last elections.

And the results should be kept, should not be divulged until election day.

Comelec has the authority to conduct early polls. My impression is kayang gawin ng Comelec yun because sometimes when the situation in a particular part of the Philippines is chaotic, the Comelec can suspend the elections and hold it at a later date. So if they can hold it at a later date, what is there to prevent them from holding it in an earlier date?