KIKO REFILES INDEPENDENT COUNSEL BILL

Senate Majority Leader Kiko Pangilinan refiled for the 14th Congress SBN 140, previously filed in the 13th Congress as SBN 2061, the Independent Counsel Bill, which provides for the appointment of an Independent Counsel to conduct investigations of impeachable officials, such as the COMELEC, the First Family and even members of Congress.

"Public office is a public trust and integrity in public service must be present at all times. Through this bill we seek to uphold this Constitutional principle and renew the Filipino people's confidence in their public official," Senator Kiko said.

"The government needs to show its teeth, that no one is above the rule of law. In the wake of the very serious allegations of massive sabotage and electoral fraud in the last elections by no less than the officials of the COMELEC, it is crucial that Malacanang certify as urgent the Independent Counsel Bill, so that serious misconduct in office can be investigated. We don't want a case of the 'pot calling the kettle black' in the investigation of cases of electoral fraud," explained Senator Kiko.

"The creation and passage of an Independent Counsel Bill would safeguard the impartiality of an investigation of alleged indiscretions and misconduct of high ranking public officials. It is a sad reality but we as legislators need to revisit our laws on accountability and examine if our existing mechanisms can make public accountability happen in our lifetime," reiterated Senator Kiko.

In the United States, an Independent Counsel is appointed in cases where law enforcement authorities might have a conflict of interest. Special prosecutors have been appointed to investigate major US scandals such as the Teapot Dome, Watergate and even the Clinton trial, wherein the Whitewater inquiry led eventually to the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton."