STATEMENT OF SEN. BENIGNO S. AQUINO III ON THE DISMISSAL OF REBELLION CHARGES AGAINST AMPATUANS

"The dismissal of rebellion charges against the Ampatuans is another delay of justice often seen during the reign of this administration, and again hints that political alliances still hold top priority, even in the face of a gruesome crime.

"Clearly, the rebellion charges were questionable from the start and were part of this administration's charade to justify the inexcusable declaration of martial law in Maguindanao. It was a sham declaration intended to protect and not prosecute the allies of Mrs. Arroyo and to confuse the public as to the real crimes committed by the Ampatuans.

"This is a dangerous consequence of making decisions on issues of national interest not on the basis of sound policy and the desire to deliver justice, but on the basis of political survival, allegiances, and populist considerations. It is not responsive to the exigencies of the situation then, and it cheats the people out of the good governance that they deserve. This has to stop now.

"The Ampatuan case is just a symptom of the real problem in Mindanao: the proliferation of private armies with the sanction of the Arroyo Administration.

"The fact that the charges were weak to begin with shows that the political alliance is still alive. Before you know it, it will be business as usual for the Mrs. Arroyo, the Ampatuans and other politicians who serve her ends.

"We call on the PNP and DND to remain true to its constitutional duties, be steadfast, and prevent private armies from thwarting the people's will in this coming elections."