Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile on Monday expressed apprehension over the seemingly paralyzed membership of the Senate as it could affect the future decisions of the chamber. Out of 24 senatorial spots, only 20 are occupied by active senators. One of the 24 slots was vacated by President Benigno Aquino III when he assumed the presidency this year. On the other hand, three senators - detained Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, fugitive Senator Panfilo Lacson, and on-leave Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago - cannot always exercise their voting powers because they are not physically present. "It will affect the decisional capability of the Senate because normally we operate on the basis of majority rule unless the Constitution says otherwise," Enrile told reporters in an interview on Monday. He specifically cited the following cases:
impeachment wherein at least 16 votes are needed; selection of a new Senate president wherein at least 13 votes are needed, and the ratification of treaties wherein a Senate quorum is needed. "I cannot address it. we'll have to go to the Filipino (people) and ask (them to) please change the Constitution," he said. Possible solutions Earlier in the day, Enrile said he will personally ask the judge in charge of Trillanes' case to consider letting the detained lawmaker perform his duties as a senator. "We are not saying he should be released nor that he should be bailed, he will still be under confinement but the place of confinement will be transferred from Crame to the Senate, under guard and under restrictions as the courts may impose," he said. Trillanes is facing coup d’etat and rebellion charges for his alleged involvement in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny and the 2007 Manila Peninsula hotel siege. Enrile said the Senate can make the same arrangements for Lacson should he decide to show up. Lacson went into hiding early this year after being linked to the abduction and killing of veteran publicist Salvador Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito in November 2000. "It's now in the hannds of the judicial branch to dispose of his case and not even the Preisdent nor Congress can interfere," said Enrile. On the other hand, Santiago has stated that she will still be on sick leave for at least another month. - VVP, GMANews.TV 
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