Palace rejects anew bid for PNoy emergency powers

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — Malacañang on Wednesday rejected anew proposals to give emergency powers to President Benigno Aquino III to address the effects of high oil prices. “We don't see the need for it this time. We're not contemplating it. We believe there are solutions that can be had without invoking emergency powers," said Ricky Carandang, head of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office. Senator Gregorio Honasan earlier hinted a bid to give Aquino emergency powers, while House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said the House of Representatives will seriously consider the matter, especially during the wake of the political turmoil in oil-producing countries. “If someone has an idea that sounds good, that will require emergency powers, we might consider it. But right now, it's not in our radar," Carandang said. He said there are things that must be clarified first before they even consider the idea. “What are the proposals? Para saan ba gagamitin 'yung emergency powers? At kung ibibigay naman 'yon, what are the parameters? Hindi pa natin alam kung ano 'yung sinasabi nila. But sa ngayon, hindi po natin iniisip, o kino-contemplate na magkaroon ng emergency powers," Carandang said. President Aquino had earlier said he has no plans of asking Congress for an emergency power despite the ongoing crisis in Libya, even as Congress leaders had assured him of support should he ask for such power. [See story: Aquino thumbs down emergency powers] — LBG/KBK, GMA News