Aquino ready to give info if asked on Mamasapano incident – Palace

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the Necrological Service for the fallen Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) Troopers at the NCRPO Multi-Purpose Center of Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Friday (January 30, 2015). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma on Sunday said President Benigno Aquino III is ready to give information if asked on the Mamasapano incident.

”The overall mindset is to give information necessary if it will be asked,” Coloma said.

Coloma made this reaction after House Speaker Sonny Belmonte said they have no plans of inviting the President at the resumption of the Lower House’s hearings on Mamasapano incident on April 7.

”We will ask the request of the House of Representatives because the President is open in disclosing the necessary information, just like what we did in the request of the Senate for the exchange of text message between the President and former PNP Chief Alan Purisima,” Coloma explained.

He said the President has already given his consent through Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa regarding the Senate’s request.

”The President’s communication policy is clear: A well-informed citizenry will be sufficiently guided in decision-making and in determining the actions they wish to pursue,” Coloma said.

”Hence, government has endeavored at all times to give all the necessary information in the spirit of openness and transparency and to promote accountability in the public service,” he added.

Coloma also said the government also encourages the people to give feedback and let their sentiments be known through the President’s website and social media accounts.

When asked about statement of Vice President Jejomar Binay that apology could help the President recover confidence, Coloma said President Aquino will continue to listen to his boss, the Filipino people.

“Patuloy pong nakikinig ang ating Pangulo sa saloobin ng mga mamamayan at gagawin po ng ating Pangulo ang sa kanyang pagtuturing ay pinakamainam na desisyon na naaayon sa pambansang interes,” he said.

(The President continues to listen to the sentiments of the people and he will do what he believes to be the best decision according to national interest.)