Official Statement of Gov. Erico B. Aumentado
LPP and ULAP, National President
On the “massacre” of local chief executives

Gov. Aumentado stresses the need for due process and the rule of law at all times.

The League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) are deeply concerned with the timing and manner of implementation of the Ombudsman’s dismissal or suspension of local government chief executives.

The timing of the local elective officials “massacre” is unfortunately highly questionable because the decisions were rendered and implemented during the election period.

The video footage showing RMG men breaking the glasses in the ground floor of the Iloilo Capitol and pointing their high-powered guns at the unarmed individuals inside the Capitol do not speak well of the uncalled-for assault with the use of unnecessary excessive force. We cringed in disgust and disappointment.

Gov. Sanchez discusses with Gov. Joson his predicament on the then still unserved suspension order during the league’s General Assembly last Janaury 12.

We do not countenance any wrongdoing of the LPP and ULAP members. But we appeal that they should be accorded with their rights to due process and the rule of law which are enshrined in the Constitution.

It must be remembered that the local government units (LGUs) under the lead of LPP rallied behind the standards of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during the most critical juncture of her governance.

Thus, we expect that in cases involving local chief executives, or any local government official for that matter, their rights under the Constitution must be respected, and that they are not violent men and women who would resort to violence to keep their goals.

We trust that the assault on the Capitol of Iloilo will not be repeated and that calmness and sobriety should always prevail in similar situations.

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