Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 1)
The primary purpose of the Philippine Truth Commission is to seek and find the truth on, investigate reports of graft and corruption of such scale and magnitude committed by public officers and employees during the previous administration, and thereafter recommend appropriate actions to ensure justice.
The basis for the creation of the Commission is Article XI, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, which mandates that public officers and employees must always be accountable to the people and serve with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency.
The Commission is composed of a Chairman and four members who act as an independent collegial body.
The Commission has the powers of an investigative body as per Section 37, Chapter 9, Book I of the Administrative Code of 1987, including requiring documents from Executive Branch agencies, subpoenaing witnesses, administering oaths, recommending state witness admission, and referring cases for prosecution.
Yes, upon proper request or representation, the Commission may obtain information and documents from Senate and House of Representatives records of investigations related to matters being investigated by the Commission.
Hearings of the Commission are generally open to the public but can be closed upon request or on the Commission's own motion when matters of national security, public safety, or witness safety are involved. The Commission promulgates rules for such hearings.
Any person called to testify before the Commission has the right to counsel at any stage of the proceedings.
Government officials who, without lawful excuse, fail to appear upon subpoena or refuse to take an oath, give testimony, or produce documents may be subject to administrative disciplinary action.
The Commission is tasked to accomplish its mission on or before December 31, 2012.
Yes, the Commission has the power to engage the services of experts as consultants or advisers deemed necessary to accomplish its mission.
The Commission investigates large-scale graft and corruption cases committed by third level public officers and higher, their co-principals, accomplices, and accessories from both the public and private sectors during the previous administration.
Funding for the Commission is provided by the Office of the President to enable it to effectively and expeditiously perform its duties.
Upon completion, the records and properties of the Commission will be returned to the Office of the President.