19 APRIL 2010

CHR CHAIRPERSON LEILA M. DE LIMA’S REACTION TO SEC AL AGRA’S ACTION ON THE AMPATUANS … (thru text message)

With due respect to the DOJ Sec., he has a lot of explaining to do , especially in light of d fact dat his own prosecutors are displeased as they apparently disagree wid d Sec’s ruling. D situation at DOJ, sensitive, volatile and untenable as it is, is cause for deep concern. CHR reminds government that this case, which has very serious human rights repercussions, should be handled with strictest attention to d facts and legal remedies. Gov’t should not give concessions 2 powerful parties at d expense of complete, comprehensive legal remedies. We ask—were all parties required 2 submit responses 2 d appeal or motion 4 recon n wer those considered? What was d legal basis for overturning a presumably correct prelim investigation? Why is “probable cause” being supplanted by another standard? Are there considerations, other than legal, which factored in in this highly surprising action on d part of d DOJ Sec?