PRESIDENT Aquino is guilty of treason for “aiding” a perceived enemy of the state, an opposition legislator said on Thursday.

At the same time, Lakas-Kampi-CMD Rep. Maria Milagros Magsaysay of Zambales laughed off Malacañang’s statement that it will ask the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to account for the P5 million it received from the President for the alleged establishment of Bangsamoro Management and Leadership Institute (BMLI).

“Who will account for and will do the audit of the money considering that it is government funds?” Magsaysay asked.

Magsaysay is also asking from which government budget the P5 million came from.

“In the first place, why give money to  somebody who is perceived to be still an enemy of the state. Hindi pa naman sila nare-recognize wala pa naman tayong napipirmahan na kahit anong agreement sa kanila. If that is the case, what would prevent other armed groups from asking the President for money,” Magsaysay told the BusinessMirror.

“How can you give government money to armed groups but not to peace-loving citizens who just want to go to school and also be cured of their ailments?” she asked.

In accusing Mr. Aquino of treason, Magsaysay cited the Revised Penal Code which defined treason as “adhering, giving aid and comfort to the enemies of the state.”

“The MILF is still considered as an enemy of the state until a peace accord has been formally signed by both the government and MILF. The MILF can launch any armed attack against the state if the term they demanded are not met. Past events showed that they have used violence and have killed civilians and military. Anyone who threatens the peace and security of the country through armed conflict becomes its enemy,” she said.

Magsaysay said she has consulted some lawyers and they are one in saying that indeed Mr. Aquino was guilty of treason.

‘Pabaon’

A ranking police official, in a separate interview with the BusinessMirror, also shared the same view even as he scored Mr. Aquino for condemning the so-called pabaon to the military and police officials when he is giving pabaon to an enemy of the state.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said earlier that the government will seek an audit of the P5-million release.

“Yes, we are requiring [an audit]. The government, through Dean Marvic Leonen, is asking for an accounting. We will be expecting some report on the outcome of the P5 million…where it went. We hope that the MILF will also clarify its part.”

He clarified that the release of the P5-million fund to the MILF was never kept from the public and was even announced in press statements issued by Leonen himself.

Leonen said in a press statement that the P5-million fund was intended to jump-start the BMLI, a training center for future Bangsamoro leaders and managers.

Meanwhile, Magsaysay assailed the government for making it appear that the soldiers are only after the money or reward when they conducted the operation in Basilan.

“Ganyan ba kababa ang tingin ni Mr. Aquino sa mga sundalo niya na pumapasok lang sila doon para sa reward money? Ang nakalagay naman sa rules…hindi mo naman pwedeng bigyan ng reward ang military. Ginagawa naman nilang mukhang pera ang mga sundalo at pinapalabas nilang bounty hunter,” said Magsaysay.

US envoy condoles with families of casualties

US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas said recent days have seen outbreaks of violence in areas of the southern Philippines.

“On behalf of the United States government, I offer my deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved-ones, and I wish a successful and speedy recovery to all those who were wounded.  In addition, I hope for the swift and safe return of those displaced by the violence to their homes,” Thomas said in a statement.

“Recalling the sorrow and tragedy that affected hundreds of thousands of lives when violence erupted in 2008, the United States welcomes and expresses its full confidence in the careful, measured approach of the Government of the Philippines at this time of heightened tension.”

Thomas added that the US government welcomes steps by all parties to reinforce the cease-fire that has been in place since 2009.  “We fully support the ongoing peace process and hope the parties can avoid violence and continue to work toward an agreement that will provide for a peaceful and prosperous future.”

(With E. Torres)