‘Maintain independence,’ Nene Pimentel tells senators

Camille Elemia

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

‘Maintain independence,’ Nene Pimentel tells senators
'I would suggest to the Senate – there are 24 sovereignties in the Senate, you cannot dictate to the senators, that's my experience – to act in accordance with their perception of what is best for the people'

MANILA, Philippines – Former Senate president Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr urged senators to maintain their independence under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The veteran lawmaker, the father of Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, was reacting to criticism against the 17th Congress for being Duterte’s lackey.

With Congress filled with Duterte allies now, the former senator said it is expected that many legislators would support the Chief Executive. He said, however, that senators should decide based on their own judgment.

“Essentially, I think that since the majority of members of both houses of Congress are affiliated with the party of the President, that adulation would stick to them,” Pimentel told Rappler in an interview on Tuesday, July 25.

Pimentel is the founder of PDP-Laban, the ruling party, but is no longer active in its affairs. His son is the party president and a staunch Duterte ally.

“Except I would suggest to the Senate – there are 24 sovereignties in the Senate, you cannot dictate to the senators, that’s my experience – to act in accordance with their perception of what is best for the people,” Pimentel said.

“It is just my impression that whatever the administration wishes to be done, the Senate should do if it’s in [accordance] with the will of the Senate. [Maintain their] independence, of course,” he added.

Executive pressure?

In his second State of the Nation Address, Duterte exerted pressure on senators to pass his version of the tax reform bill in toto, even “threatening” Senate ways and means committee chairman Juan Edgardo Angara over reelection.

But for Pimentel, no one can impose on the Senate, as it is an “independent body.” At the very least, Duterte’s statement could just be a “suggestion.”

“I think that’s a good suggestion but that is just a suggestion, it cannot be an imposition because the Senate is an independent body. Meaning to say, a proposal can come from the President – ‘This is the tax reform that I want.’ The Senate can expand on it or limit it. We are a free country and I believe that,” Pimentel said.

Senators are not keen on passing the executive version of the bill, calling it “anti-poor.” Duterte is pushing for lower income tax rates but wants to impose higher levy on sugar-sweetened beverages, cars, and fuel.

There have also been precedents showing it is not good for politicians to impose new taxes before an election. Aside from Angara, there are at least 6 senators eyeing reelection in 2019, including the younger Pimentel. – Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!
Face, Person, Human

author

Camille Elemia

Camille Elemia is a former multimedia reporter for Rappler. She covered media and disinformation, the Senate, the Office of the President, and politics.