Lacson: Odds stacked vs. Miriam in blocking WB probe
04/14/2009 | 03:04 PM
MANILA, Philippines — The odds may be stacked against Sen. Miriam Santiago if she insists on blocking another Senate committee from investigating alleged bribery and collusion in World Bank projects.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Tuesday Santiago may have little basis in questioning a separate probe before the Supreme Court as she already agreed to an “internal" arrangement last February.
“It was clear during our caucus that we will finish the economic aspect of the investigation, and the Blue Ribbon Committee will investigate the corruption aspect. We have minutes of the caucus, so that could be an argument if she decides to question the separate investigation," Lacson told reporters.
He also noted that while Santiago is within her right to question the probe, the High Court usually would not interfere with the affairs of a co-equal branch of government.
Earlier this year, Santiago’s economic affairs committee investigated the WB mess, where witnesses linked First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and other officials to supposed bribery.
But this week, Santiago was quoted as saying she will block any attempt to investigate the case again.
“Nasa karapatan niya bilang taxpayer, o Senador, na mag-file ng petition sa SC. But I think most of the arguments will be stacked up against her (It is within her right as a taxpayer or a senator to question the second investigation. But I think most of the arguments will be stacked up against her)," Lacson said.
He said he is not aware of Santiago’s reasons for blocking any investigation against Mrs. Arroyo.
“I don’t know, maybe she has her own reasons, personal or otherwise, why she does not want FG to be brought here in case the Blue Ribbon committee conducts its investigation… but I think most of the arguments will be stacked against her," Lacson said.
In the meantime, he said the Blue Ribbon Committee under Sen. Richard Gordon will prepare to investigate the criminal aspect of the WB mess.
He said Gordon is now finalizing his committee report on the $329.48-million ZTE broadband deal mess, another case supposedly involving people perceived close to Malacañang.
“Tinatapos ni Sen. Gordon ang committee report sa ZTE. Palagay ko pagkatapos maisumite ang committee report sisimulan ang usapin sa WB (Sen. Gordon is finishing his committee report on ZTE. I think once he submits the committee report, the Blue Ribbon committee can start hearing the WB case)," he said. - With Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV
Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Tuesday Santiago may have little basis in questioning a separate probe before the Supreme Court as she already agreed to an “internal" arrangement last February.
“It was clear during our caucus that we will finish the economic aspect of the investigation, and the Blue Ribbon Committee will investigate the corruption aspect. We have minutes of the caucus, so that could be an argument if she decides to question the separate investigation," Lacson told reporters.
He also noted that while Santiago is within her right to question the probe, the High Court usually would not interfere with the affairs of a co-equal branch of government.
Earlier this year, Santiago’s economic affairs committee investigated the WB mess, where witnesses linked First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and other officials to supposed bribery.
But this week, Santiago was quoted as saying she will block any attempt to investigate the case again.
“Nasa karapatan niya bilang taxpayer, o Senador, na mag-file ng petition sa SC. But I think most of the arguments will be stacked up against her (It is within her right as a taxpayer or a senator to question the second investigation. But I think most of the arguments will be stacked up against her)," Lacson said.
He said he is not aware of Santiago’s reasons for blocking any investigation against Mrs. Arroyo.
“I don’t know, maybe she has her own reasons, personal or otherwise, why she does not want FG to be brought here in case the Blue Ribbon committee conducts its investigation… but I think most of the arguments will be stacked against her," Lacson said.
In the meantime, he said the Blue Ribbon Committee under Sen. Richard Gordon will prepare to investigate the criminal aspect of the WB mess.
He said Gordon is now finalizing his committee report on the $329.48-million ZTE broadband deal mess, another case supposedly involving people perceived close to Malacañang.
“Tinatapos ni Sen. Gordon ang committee report sa ZTE. Palagay ko pagkatapos maisumite ang committee report sisimulan ang usapin sa WB (Sen. Gordon is finishing his committee report on ZTE. I think once he submits the committee report, the Blue Ribbon committee can start hearing the WB case)," he said. - With Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV
