Press Release
August 28, 2009

STATEMENT OF SENATOR AQUILINO Q. PIMENTEL, JR.

On proposed Constitutional Convention

The holding of a Con-Con seems to be the demand of many people, because they are afraid that if it is by Constituent Assembly, it may be controlled by politicians. That is the fear actually.

I would have preferred a Constituent Assembly, composed of members of Congress because it is faster and less expensive. After spending for the election of Con-Con delegates, you have to provide them with staff, provide them with offices, provide them with a session hall where they can have the convention done.

The big problem is our collective credibility is much lower than the traffic policeman's credulity.

If they really want Con-Con, then we will go along with it. But according to the Comelec, they cannot do it in conjunction with the 2010 election. Which means that the new president will already have something else to say. If you are the president and you fear that your power will be diminished, you may not speak favorably about Charter Change via Con Con.

But everything is on hold in the Senate. I had my federalism proposal put in the freezer because of the move to lifting of term limits. If that is the quid pro quo, I am against it.

On Con Con proposal that will probably involve the Senate, then that can be discussed the Senate. But it is far too early to say that it will receive the support of the Senate.

On Ombudsman action on ZTE-NBN scandal

As far as I am concerned, as long as (former Comelec chairman) Benjamin Abalos and (former NEDA director general) Romulo Neri are prosecuted, that is already okay with me. But kidding aside, the thing is Dick Gordon (chairman of the blue ribbon committee) wanted to hold one more hearing next week. According to him, there are recorded testimonies which in his view are lacking. He wants to make sure that certain gaps will be filled with additional data.

(Ombudsman released its investigation report ahead of the Senate) That is okay because the findings will reinforce the cases that the Ombudsma has filed. We can also say our findings may lead to innovative legislation that can plug the loopholes of the law.

(First Couple cleared by Ombudsman. Will Senate have a different recommendation?) Ang sabi ni Dick sa akin, wala siyang sinasanto.

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