Asian Political News: 2ND LD: Arroyo OKs truth commission to probe vote-rigging charges

MANILA, July 19 Kyodo

(EDS: ADDING QUOTES, DETAILS)

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday backed the creation of a commission to look into the truth behind allegations she rigged last year's presidential election.

''On the matter of moral accountability and the need to restore trust, I have initiated the creation of a commission or similar body to look into the truth behind issues recently raised against me,'' Arroyo said in a letter to Archbishop Fernando Capalla, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

Arroyo said in the two-page letter that while she accepts the principle of accountability, the issues in question ''were raised at a time and in a manner that seems to give credence to the observation that various groups may be manipulating situations for their own agenda, perhaps with the aim of grabbing power.''

''I am hopeful that the process of searching for the truth will shed light on these disturbing matters as well,'' she said.

Arroyo did not say who will compose the commission in her letter.

Her spokesman, press secretary Ignacio Bunye, said details of the composition of the commission are being worked out and that it will be known before Monday, when Arroyo goes to the House of Representatives to deliver her state-of-the-nation address.

Arroyo is under fire for improperly speaking with an election official during last year's presidential vote. She is also being castigated over allegations her husband, son and brother-in-law have received gambling kickbacks.

Arroyo has admitted calling the election official, which she called a ''lapse of judgment,'' but insisted she did not influence the results.

She also said she has no plans of resigning from office.

In backing a truth commission, Arroyo was reacting to the July 10 calls by the influential Catholic church for her to take steps to show accountability and to restore trust.

The church calls came amidst mounting clamor for her to resign over the allegations of cheating. Although the bishops did not join the chorus for her to step down, they stressed that ''beyond apology is accountability.''

Specifically, the church has urged Arroyo to create a ''thorough, credible and independent process to examine the authenticity (of the audio recordings between Arroyo and the election official), verify any possible betrayal of public trust and mete out due punishment of all those found guilty.''

In the letter, Arroyo said she is ''greatly humbled to realize that I owe the Filipino people a huge debt of service...I must now try to repay.''

''I took the heart the admonition to discern deeply as to whether the erosion of trust is so severe as to be irreversible. I believe that subsequent events and revelations may have given a more balanced view to this question, and that my decision to stay in my office is the correct one,'' she said.

The opposition -- mainly composed of forces loyal to ousted President Joseph Estrada and left-wing groups -- has mounted a series of anti-Arroyo rallies to demand her resignation, scaring off investors and causing the bourse to plummet.

Anti-Arroyo forces are gearing up for a huge protest rally to disrupt Arroyo's address on Monday. Rumors are swirling that some disgruntled members of the military are expected to join the protesters and call for Arroyo's resignation.

''I believe that what (Arroyo) is trying to do is to shape the news for her (Congress speech) on Monday. In some sense, the formation of the truth commission will provide the context of what she's trying to do without draining the drama of the (speech),'' said Steven Rood, country representative of the Asia Foundation.

Rood described events over the past few weeks as a ''test of strength'' of various groups within the Philippines political system.

''(The truth commission's) impact will depend on how it is formed and who is on it,'' Rood said, adding the commission ''will act as an alternative venue to the disputes rather than streets.''