Ambush interview with Sen. Franklin Drilon

Q: On ARMM polls postponement

We are optimistic that we would be able to pass the law on the postponement of the ARMM elections.

Q: How about kahapon na kabilang ang LP sa ipinatawag ni Pnoy. Yung ibang senador ipapatawag din ba?

Hindi ko alam. Kami sa partido nag-usap na at susuportahan namin ito. Sa katunayan, ako ang nag file ng Senate version ng postponement. So the LP senators will support this.

Q: Can you convince the other senators?

The Senate President is in support of the bill. That was discussed in the LEDAC.

Q: But according to Sen. Marcos ang irerecommend nila not to postpone at i-synchronize na lang sa 2013?

I am not privy to the committee report but we will debate it on the floor.

Q: Kuntento k aba kung magiging presidential chief of staff si Sen. Mar Roxas?

Yes. Mar has the competence to perform the functions of the chief of staff. But most important, he has the confidence of the President.

Q: It will exacerbate daw yung bangayan ng dalawang factions?

Sa diyaryo lang yan.

Q: Hindi ba parang pagbaba ng posisyon kay Sen. Roxas?

Hindi bababa. Hindi naman kailangan ng posisyon diyan. Ang importante makatulong kay Pangulo.

Q: Hindi daw po clear ang function dahil baka magkaroon ng banggaan with Executive Secretary.

Yes. I endorse that idea. It must be clear so that there will be clear delineation of functions.

Q: May nomination ngayon kay Justice Sec. De Lima for next Ombudsman. Do you welcome that?

Sec. De Lima is very qualified. Whether or not she will be appointed will depend on whether or not she would want to be Ombudsman. Number 2, whether or not the appointing power--the President--would want her, would make the judgment, that she could better serve public interest as Ombudsman rather than as secretary of Justice.

Q: Pero ang LP walang ino-nominate sa Ombudsman?

This is not a political post. The Ombudsman is a constitutional body.