Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Friday it is unnecessary for President Rodrigo Duterte to issue an order barring his Cabinet members from attending the Senate probe.
“The orders are unnecessary,” Sotto said in a message to reporters.
He said as alter-ego of the President, the Cabinet members will not be ordered arrested.
“Respect and prudence towards a co-equal part of our government is still alive and well on the part of the Senate. The Constitution states ‘may request’ them to appear, so it is clear that it is not obligatory,” he said.
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, for his part, said the order only shows that Duterte is “desperately trying to cover up” the issue.
“Lalo lang mag-iisip ang tao na may pilit na itinatagong katiwalian. Lalo lang sila mababaon,” he said.
He added that the ban, while appearing dramatic and tough, will be futile because “the damning testimonies that have exposed the massive corruption have come from non-Cabinet officials and instead from the ordinary rank and file government employees and private citizens.
“The truth will still be uncovered even if the Cabinet members will refuse to attend (the hearing),” he said.
“The ban will do Malacanang more harm than good,” Pangilinan further said.
In his recent public address, Duterte reacted to Gordon’s statement that they would continue the probe “until kingdom come,” describing the words as undemocratic.
“Ngayon, kailan ito matapos? Till kingdom come? Who are you to say that? Sabi ko that is a very undemocratic statement and you want Filipino nation pati kami dito sa executive department, damayan mo?” the President had said.
“Well, I’m telling you now, I have ordered Secretary [Salvador] Medialdea Executive Secretary to prepare the… I’ll issue a memorandum na lahat ng sa executive department will no longer obey your summons kasi kingdom come ka,” he added.
Duterte also said Gordon is “overstepping” his jurisdiction and that the senator committed an “abuse of discretion.”
The Senate blue ribbon committee has been investigating the purchase of COVID-19 supplies last year, with Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation securing at least P8 billion worth of government contracts despite having only at least P600,000 paid up capital.
The House committee on good government and public accountability is also looking into the issue. Duterte earlier said he prefers the House probe over the Senate’s inquiry.—AOL, GMA News
Sotto on Duterte order barring Cabinet officials from attending Senate probe: Unnecessary
Source: Pinoy Hub News
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