Press Release
March 22, 2011

Transcript of Interview of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile

On the Articles of Impeachment

Q Sir, nasa Senate na ba 'yung Articles of Impeachment?

SP Wala pa. Kung hindi ngayon baka bukas. Kanina I issued some order for the purchase of the supplies for the impeachment. The Rules regarding the pleadings, they will submit to the Senate that will receive it and handle it. The Secretary of the Senate will act as the Clerk of Court for the Senate as an Impeachment Trial Court.

Q Sir ano ang mangyayari dun sa proposal ng Blue Ribbon Committee na i-impeach si Ombudsman Gutierrez . Paano pag umakyat sa floor 'yun?

SP Baka ma- overtake na 'yun. Hindi naman ma-strike down 'yun. We will wait for the impeachment.

Q Sir, meron po bang gag orders?

SP Wala kaming gag orders.

Q Doon po sa Rules?

SP Depende 'yun. You can interview the members of the Senate before or after the trial. During the trials we do not want any distraction from the media.

Q Does that mean that senators will not give comments on the merits of the case during the trial?

SP No comments. You can report on what you hear. We cannot prevent you from doing that. But for the members of the Senate, I will try to talk to them on that matter. But that is not a gag .

Q Sir, kapag po ba may nag wa-walk out mako- contempt ba?

SP No, I will not allow any walk- out. I hope they will understand. I will have to conduct an orderly proceeding. I will not hesitate to cite people in contempt. Hindi na pwede 'yung nangyari dati kay Erap. I will be the one presiding. I will order the Sgt.- At- Arms to arrest the people.

Q Sir, you will make sure na tatapusin 'yung impeachment proceeding?

SP Yes.

Q Sir, will the partial Committee Report be used as evidence in the trial?

SP I will not say anything about that. You are asking me to state how I will handle the trial. You just listen when the time comes.

Q Sir, when will the trial start?

SP That will be around May, unless the President will call a special session.

Q Sir, are you in favor of a special session?

SP I will not recommend a special session.

Q Sir, 'yung mga senators na magbibigay ng comments during the trials, will you penalize them?

SP I will not penalize them, but I will ask them to cooperate. Ang nangyayari sa amin nung panahon ni Erap ay naba-bother kami. Maski na nandidito kami conducting the hearing as judges ay tinatawagan kami ng mga reporters. Hindi na pwede 'yun. Madi-distract kami. Kung pagkatapos ng trial, kung may recess, pwede 'yun. You cannot prevent the senators from saying what he wants to talk.

Q Sir, may proposal daw si Senator Santiago na ipagbawal 'yung text messages and internet chatting.

SP Pag-uusapan namin 'yan.

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