Some allies of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Negros Oriental have favored the suggestion that the president lift the controversial Executive Order 464, barring Cabinet officials from testifying in the Senate inquiry into the controversial national broadband network deal.

Dumaguete City Mayor Agustin Perdices said he sees the need for the president to allow her cabinet officials to testify in the Senate.

“If there’s nothing to hide let them face the inquiry and answer,” Perdices said.

By doing so, the issue might become clearer because, at present, the people are confused, he said.

“Everybody agrees we want the truth. But it is getting harder to know the truth. The issue is now being muddled up,” Perdices lamented.

Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Jose Baldado said he agrees with the call for Arroyo to lift the “gag order” for the truth to come out.

“There is nothing to fear when there is nothing to hide,” he said, adding that he has no personal stand on the issue yet.*RA

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