Transcript of Interview of Senate President
Juan Ponce Enrile On the 2010 Barangay Elections

Q: Sir, are you for the postponement of the Barangay and SK Elections?

SP: I am for the synchronization dahil masyadong magastos 'yang frequent elections. We'll economize much and maybe what we can save can be earmarked for education and health.

Q: Pero, sir, kahit po ba naka-allocate na 'yon sa budget pwede pa i-divert?

SP: Pwede kung magiging savings 'yon.

Q: Pero, sir, na-release na raw po sa Comelec 'yung budget? SP: Bawasan natin ang budget ng Comelec. Ibalik nila.

Q: Sir, considering na 1st week of September 'yung preparations ng Comelec, so dapat immediately...

SP: Pwede naman nating pigilin 'yun para, 'yung pera na hawak nila ay maibalik sa general fund. Reverse the entry in the book of government.

Q: So bago matapos 'yung month of August, dapat ma-approve 'yung proposed postponement? SP: Dapat.

Q: Sir, are you coordinating sa House para mapabilis? SP: 'Yung Chairman ng Committee ang bahala.

Q: Sir, mamadaliin po ba ito para mapasa na?

SP: Siyempre, dahil may timetable.

Q: Paano 'yon kung ang stand ni President Noy ay to pursue the barangay and SK election on October?

SP: We can honestly differ with the opinion of the President.

Q: Paano, sir, kung i-veto?

SP: We will go through kung ive-veto niya.

Q: Sir, 'yung P20 billion na sinasabi ni Commissioner Sarmiento...

SP: We'll have to analyze and break it down to the types of cost that they incur.

Q: Sobra bang malaki iyon, sir?

SP: We will save on paper, freight, logistical support and manpower. Maraming savings pati renting of equipment - PCOS, we will save. Ang laki noon.

Q: So, sir, kung isi-synchronize sa 2013, automated na rin 'yung barangay elections?

SP: Syempre. You now include in your ballot candidates for barangay positions. You can reduce the number of barangay officials. Instead of eight or nine, you make it five.

Q: Sir, ang proposal po ninyo is tingnan kung masyadong marami ang members ng barangay council? Ano po 'yung ideal, sir?

SP: Kailangan mo ba 'yung ganoong kalaki to run a barangay? Ako, lima, malaki na 'yon. Kagaya niyan, may mga barangay na subdivision. Mayroong Dasmariñas Village Association, may Board of Directors 'yun. They run the subdivision. Lalagyan mo pa ng barangay officials, di nag-ooverlap 'yun.

Q: Sir, kailan 'yung latest date para maipasa 'yon?

SP: I don't know.

On Privatization of RPN 9 and IBC 13

Q: Sir, baka gusto niyong mag-comment sa move to privatize RPN 9 and IBC 13.

SP: Pwede rin. Mayroon namang NBN ang gobyerno. Ngayon, 'yung mga 'yon, sinequester nung Martial Law. Naiwan na lang sa gobyerno. Channel 13 used to be owned by the Sorianos. Channel 9 used to be owned by Bobby Benedicto.

Q: Sir, i-ooverhaul daw muna bago i-privatize.

SP: Hindi na kailangan. Why don't you sell it as is and let the buyer buy the kind of equipment he wants to modernize the station. Ipagbili mo na lang 'yung prangkisa at assets.

On Executive Orders Challenged in the Supreme Court

Q: Sir, in lieu of the SC TRO on VAT and mga questions na na-raise sa Supreme Court sa tatlong EOs ni President Noy in just 46 days...

SP: You have to give it to him. He's willing to make decisions and assume the risks. That's a mark of a leader. If you like a leader who does nothing, he will not have any cases. But if you want an active President, you will surely encounter cases along the way because you cannot please everybody.

Q: Pero hindi po 'yun negative sa President?

SP: Hindi. He's not God, you know. He's just a human being and you can differ with the decisions of a human being.