Aquino defends Cabinet execs’ snub of probe

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President Aquino says Sen Santiago should have sent questions and filed a resolution in the Puno probe

'WE COOPERATE.' President Aquino says Malacañang is cooperating with Senate investigations but Senator Santiago should have followed the process in her Puno probe. Photo by Malacañang Photo Bureau

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III defended his alter egos’ decision to snub the hearing of Sen Miriam Defensor Santiago on resigned Interior Undersecretary Rico Puno.

In an interview with Palace reporters on Monday, September 17, Aquino rejected the claim of Santiago that Malacañang refused to cooperate with her investigation and even conspired with senators to snub the hearing. The probe began and finished last Friday, September 14.

Aquino, however, pointed out that Santiago should have followed the correct procedure like sending the Palace a list of questions for the Cabinet Secretaries and filing a Senate resolution before starting the probe.

“I think the record will show na parati ho tayong nagko-cooperate. Ang sinasabi lang po natin merong mga patakaran na dapat naman siyang mambabatas eh ‘yung susunod di ba?” (We always cooperate. What we are saying is there is a procedure that she must follow as a lawmaker.)

Aquino reiterated the stand of Executive Secretary Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa Jr that Santiago should have first sent a list of questions, as prescribed by Article VI, Section 22 of the Constitution.

The provision says Cabinet Secretaries may appear before either House of Congress and written questions shall be submitted to the Senate President or House Speaker at least 3 days before their scheduled appearance.

Aquino said, “’Pag pinatawag po ninyo ‘yung alter ego ko, may karapatan naman po sigurong malaman ‘yung itatanong para makapaghanda at hindi dumating doon at sabihing ‘I don’t know’ ‘di ba? Parang kung gusto niyo ng resource person, bigyan naman natin ng pagkakataon na makapaghanda, maibigay ‘yung mga tugon sa iyong mga katanungan.” (When you call me alter egos, they have the right to know the questions so they can prepare and do not arrive there answering ‘I don’t know,’ right? If you want resource persons, let’s give them the chance to prepare, give the answers to your questions.)

Aquino added that Santiago should have first ensured that her committee has jurisdiction over the investigation.

The senator, however, has said that her committee already has jurisdiction, being in charge of laws like the Administrative Code.

Santiago also said the requirement to provide a list of questions is only applicable to the Question Hour, and not committee hearings.

‘Mar confirmation to push through’

Aquino also said he doubts that Santiago’s threat will pose a problem to the confirmation of Incoming Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.

Santiago has threatened to veto the confirmation of Roxas, and other secretaries who snubbed her hearing. Ochoa, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, and Environment Secretary Ramon Paje were all absent from the probe. De Lima and Paje have yet to be confirmed.

Asked if Santiago’s stand would derail Roxas’ confirmation, Aquino said, “I don’t think so but again, we will follow and abide by the requirements of the Constitution and the processes involved.”

The Commission on Appointments will tackle Roxas’ confirmation on Wednesday, September 19. 

No position for Puno yet

Aquino also responded to rumors Puno will be appointed to the agriculture department following his resignation last week.

“At this point, everything is under consideration. We will finish first the things that we have been checking on like the rifles firearms for instance,” he said.

Puno has reportedly been the subject of investigation for his role in the bidding of rifles for the Philippine National Police. Aquino has ordered the cancellation of the deal after discovering via Google that the rifles were overpriced. – Rappler.com

 

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