Aquino is ‘over and beyond’ any chain of command – De Lima

Justice Sec. Leila De Lima at the Senate hearing on the Mamasapano Clash (Photo courtesy of Sen. Grace Poe’s Facebook page)

MANILA – Justice Secretary Leila De Lima defended President Aquino clearing him of any liability over the Mamasapano operation which killed at least 67 persons.

De Lima was asked if the president could be held liable for the operation following the results of the investigations of the Board of Inquiry as well as statement from Former President Fidel V. Ramos saying that the president violated the chain of command.

Responding to the question, De Lima said that Aquino cannot be subjected to any command doctrine.

She also added that the concept was non-existent in a civilian agency like the Philippine National Police.

“A President, as chief executive and commander-in-chief, is over and beyond any chain of command concept,” De Lima said.

“Any perceived accountability, liability of the President re chain of command concept cannot lie,” she added.

The secretary also debunked claims that the United States could be held liable for its involvement in the operation.

This is because, according to the Visiting Forces Agreement, the US has been cooperating with the Philippines in terms of sharing information and other forms of assistance.