Press Release
September 26, 2007

PANGILINAN: INVOKING EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IF MEANT TO CONCEAL A CRIMINAL OFFENSE
Kiko challenges Sec. Neri's invocation of EO 464

Hinahamon ko si Sec. Neri, kung gusto niya talagang ilabas ang katotohanan, buong-buo sana at huwag namang patingi-tingi lang. Invoking executive privilege only makes people more curious.

This dubious NBN transaction is a matter of public interest - the people have the right to information and the right to be informed of the dealings of their public officials. By invoking executive privilege, the administration officials are leaving more questions than answers to a public that is already exasperated with anomalous deals involving the government.

Executive privilege is allowed only if public interest is served. We in the Senate would like to know what public interest is served by the President invoking this privilege in ordering Sec. Neri to refuse to answer questions regarding the NBN ZTE deal. Most certainly, it cannot be invoked to conceal the commission of a crime or to hide irregularities.

The Supreme Court is clear in its Ermita case ruling that executive privilege, being an extraordinary power, must be wielded only by the President. If Sec. Neri refuses to answer questions upon instructions of the President on matters involving conversations between him and the President, then this raises more questions.

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