But GMA's loyal Lakas-Kampi allies ask High Court to stop it

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will not challenge before the Supreme Court the creation of a Truth Commission that will investigate anomalies during her administration, but her allies certainly are not following her lead.

Arroyo’s allies in the lower House, led by Minority leader Edcel Lagman and Representatives Simeon Datumanong, Rodolfo Albano and Orlando Fua, have filed a petition before the Supreme Court questioning the constitutionality of Executive Order 1 that created the so-called Truth Commission.

The petition said EO 1 is "illegal, unconstitutional and unfair as it usurps the powers of other agencies." It added that Malacañang has no power to create such an agency and vest it with quasi-judicial functions.

Furthermore, the petition said the commission is just meant to pursue trial and conviction by publicity.

Arroyo's spokeswoman, Len Bautista-Horn, said the former President will not question the executive order before the Supreme Court.

She said Arroyo will also not participate in House justice committee deliberations on the impeachment complaint against Ombudsman and perceived Arroyo ally Merceditas Guttierez since she is not a member of the committee.

“(GMA) is a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee only," Bautista added.

For his part, House Speaker Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte Jr. urged the Supreme Court to quickly resolve the petition seeking to nullify the executive order creating the Truth Commission.

“You’d really expect someone would bring it to the Supreme Court. Aside from the fact that it's new, it is directed at particular people who served at a period. It's to be expected. Be that as it may, we hope the Supreme Court can act on it quickly and decisively instead of postponing and leaving in limbo," he said.

Belmonte said the House will be skipping issues on the investigation of the previous administration. “We will all be focused on laws than personalities.”

He added: “I think nobody is being criticized as a congressman, not even the privilege speeches which everybody said had unparliamentary statements, they are being criticized for other services not as congressman.”

The accountability of the former President and now Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has preoccupied much of the earlier work of the Lower House. Several congressmen have alternately devoted speeches praising and vilifying the former President at the start of the 15th Congress.