Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio T. Arroyo, brother-in-law of former President Arroyo, has accused the Aquino government of pressuring the Office of the Ombudsman to observe a double standard of justice in conducting investigations into the Hacienda Luisita massacre and the NBN-ZTE controversy.

Arroyo, younger brother of former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, drew a comparison of the two celebrated cases after presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda declared before the media that the massacre of seven protesting farmers who picketed Hacienda Luisita should be considered closed insofar as the alleged involvement of President Aquino is concerned.

Lacierda cited a report of the Ombudsman that cleared then Tarlac Rep. Aquino to the farmers’ deaths.

“If the Hacienda Luisita massacre is a closed case already because President Aquino had been cleared by the Ombudsman, then so should the NBN-ZTE controversy,” said Arroyo.

The veteran opposition lawmaker said that in its investigation of the scandalous NBN-ZTE deal, the Ombudsman had already cleared his brother and sister-in-law.

“So why insist on reinvestigating the issue all over again? It’s the same office and the personalities in both cases were cleared,” he said.

Arroyo said a reinvestigation of the NBN-ZTE controversy would indicate that the Aquino government wants the Ombudsman to observe a double standard of justice in the country.

In a separate interview, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said that Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez is being subjected to trial by publicity by her foes and certain officials of the Aquino government after an unsuccessful attempt to force her to resign.

“If there are valid causes of action against the Ombudsman, the concerned persons must file the necessary impeachment complaints or court pleadings,” said Lagman. “Conviction by publicity should be avoided.”

Lagman, who is eyeing the House speakership, said Gutierrez is facing apparent persecution from many detractors, including the Aquino government, for being “close” to Arroyo.

“She should be insulated from these attacks of partiality, if not proven. The mere fact that you are close to a previous incumbent, is not sufficient guilt to remove you from office,” Lagman said.