The Senate Enrile drama: Law, politics and ethics

MANILA, Philippines – From the controversy over the Senate President’s selective fund giving to coup threats, the arguments in the Senate continue.

Ayee Macaraig tells us about the interplay of law, politics and ethics in the Senate drama.

A series of speeches marks the latest twist in the Senate saga involving Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and his almost-but-not-quite resignation.

It’s Senator Pia Cayetano’s turn to take the podium a day after Enrile offers to resign over the Senate savings controversy but 11 senators stop him.

Breaking her silence, Cayetano asks why Enrile excluded her and 3 other critics from receiving P1.6 million each in maintenance funds last December.

The senator has a theory.

PIA CAYETANO

PHILIPPINE SENATOR

I cannot apologize for the stand I have taken on the RH and sin tax laws and if this is the price I have to pay to fight for the things that I believe in then I will accept the implications that come with my job.

Even if she’s on sick leave, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago also accuses Enrile of grave abuse of discretion through a letter sent to the Commission on Audit.

Enrile says she should just take him to court.

JUAN PONCE ENRILE

SENATE PRESIDENT

If that’s a grave abuse of discretion then she can file a case before the Supreme Court. I would suggest to her instead of just talking to people to put that to action.

The Senate President also remains unfazed as another enemy, Senator Sonny Trillanes continues to warn of a Senate coup.

Other senators agree a coup is unlikely, with only 7 session days left.

SERGIO OSMENA III

PHILIPPINE SENATOR

Parang nagiging wishful thinking na magkakaroon ng coup d’etat eh wala namang lumalapit sa kanila.

TITO SOTTO

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER

Yung P250,000 na Christmas gift, there’s nothing wrong at wala nga sa kalingkingan ‘yun ng bonus ko sa Eat Bulaga. At tingnan naman natin ang legislative work ng Senate. I think we are worth every centavo.

Still, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has no plans of dropping the issue, calling for a private audit of Senate funds.

Cayetano says the crux of the controversy has not yet been addressed.

ALAN PETER CAYETANO

SENATE MINORITY LEADER

That’s why to me ang isyu ‘di ang leadership kundi ang pera ng mamamayan.

Cayetano will deliver his response to Enrile’s privilege speech on Wednesday.

What comes after the speeches?

For Enrile’s critics, the COA and the courts should step in.

The question is what resolution will be reached in an issue that’s not just about the law but also power, politics and ethics.

Ayee Macaraig, Rappler. – Rappler.com

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Miriam to COA: Enrile abused discretion