Atty. Ferdinand Topacio with Adolf Hitler portrait

MANILA, Philippines - Former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo's lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, remains convinced that Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler was a good leader.



Topacio, who has a large painting of Hitler in his law office, said Germany became a modern nation under the Nazi strongman.



He added that Germany almost became the world's most powerful nation under his rule.

"Wala naman kasing taong pulos masama o mabuti. Naging asensado ang Germany sa ilalim ng kanyang pamamalakad," he said.



Topacio first drew flak when a Bandila story showed the Hitler painting in his office.



The Nazi leader ruled Germany from 1934 to 1945. Under his rule, Germany went to war against the US-led Allied Forces in World War II.



Germany invaded many countries during the war, amid the Nazi belief that they were the superior race.



An estimated 6 million Jews were massacred during Nazi rule. Some were shot, others died in concentration camps, while others were killed in gas chambers.



Topacio is claiming that Hitler was not behind the mass killings.



He said there is no evidence that Hitler ordered the Holocaust.



Topacio claimed that the murders were made by the Germans because they were starting to lose the war.



"Walang nailabas na pagpapatibay na may official state policy ang Germany sa ilalim ng National Socialist regime na patayin ang mga Hudyo. Ang gusto lamang nila ay ilayo o i-segregate, o i-exile ang mga Hudyo," he said.



He said Hitler enjoyed the support of his people with regard to the treatment of Jews.



"Kung noon siguro ay may mga Pulse Asia sa Germany at tinanong nila ang mga Germans, tama ba ang ginagawa ni Chancellor Adolf Hitler sa mga Jews, palagay ko hindi lang 90% ang magiging approval rating. Ngunit tama ba? O kayo na ang magsabi," he said.



He also claimed that if Hitler was a dictator, he should be compared to President Benigno Aquino III and not former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.



Clarita Carlos, a professor in European politics, lashed out at Topacio for his claim.

She said much evidence point to Hitler as the brains behind the Holocaust.



Carlos said Hitler gave the direct order to the military to massacre Jews.

"I am outraged. I am outraged sa kaniyang claim," Carlos said. "Binigyan niya [Hitler] ng direct order ang German military to get rid of, to neutralize, all so-called 'scums' of society. Kasama na doon ang mga Jews."

The Palace has declined to comment on Topacio's latest statements. - report from Chiara Zambrano, ABS-CBN News