MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III will sign Friday the executive order forming the Truth Commission that will investigate the alleged crimes committed by the past administration.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda announced the signing of Executive Order No. 1 over ABS-CBN's morning show, "Umagang Kay Ganda" on Friday morning.

"Ang alam ko ang unang sinabi sa amin ni President Aquino na ang unang EO na pipirmahan ay ang Truth Commission, and in fact, gagawin itong araw," Lacierda said.

In his inaugural address, President Aquino announced that former Chief Justice Hilario Davide will form the fact-finding body.

He said Davide will be aided by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

On Wednesday, Senator Joker Arroyo said the Truth Commission cannot be formed through an executive order. He said that the commission will be rendered "useless" if it is not enacted by Congress.

De Lima, meanwhile, defended President Aquino's move, saying that it would take too long to officially create the Truth Commission if it goes through the legislative mill.

She said creating it through an executive order is more practical.

De Lima said that the Truth Commission could investigate and recommend the charges to be filed before the proper bodies. She said the commission can compel witnesses and other stakeholders to appear before it.

As of Thursday, it was not yet clear if the commission can hold in contempt those who refuse to subject themselves to the probe.

De Lima, meanwhile, said that the only visible stumbling block for the Truth Commission is the Office of the Ombudsman, which is held by Merceditas Gutierrez, who has a close relationship with the family of former President Arroyo.

She said she is not dismissing the low conviction rate of the Office of the Ombudsman, where the cases from the Truth Commission would most likely be filed.

"There's always that apprehension because it will take political will to proceed with the process…but at least we can have a process of closure for our people. The Truth Commission will strengthen the cases," she said.

Report Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/30/10/aquino-sign-eo-truth-commission-today