Transcript of Interview of Senate President Enrile

On RH Bill

SP The sovereign people of the country, the citizens of the Republic are like the citizens of Rome, they are powerful.

Q Nangyari na po na ganyan dati, may nag-file ng petition, yung publiko sa Senate?

SP Oo naman, marami. Maraming beses na 'yan, the right of petition.

Q Hindi po yun makakadelay para madali sa Plenary yung Committee Report ng RH Bill?

SP Hindi. Pagdating nung Committee Report dito, i-integrate namin lahat ang mga facts doon.

Q Di po ba may on-going na si Senator Pia?

SP Yung RH Bill niya, but this people are asking a hearing in aid of legislation about whether or not petition should be included in the reference of business for next week. Section 6 of the Rules governing inquiries in aid of legislation which allows non-members of the Senate to file a petition which can be made basis of a legislative inquiry.

Q Hindi po siya mako-consider na parang lobbying?

SP No. People can come to us and ask us to conduct an investigation. We look at it, if it is germane, proper, then we will act.

Q Will it affect the RH Bill?

SP It will not affect anything.

Q Will it be a separate inquiry?

SP No. We can integrate it. If there's already a bill, then it depends upon the Majority Floor Leader. He can refer it to the Committee of Pia Cayetano or he can refer it to another Committee. I do not know the full subject matter of this request. It depends upon the request.

Q Wala pa pong nagla-lobby sa inyo na pro or anti RH Bill?

SP Useless to lobby with me. It is useless really to lobby with me. I have my own stand on an issue, I stand by that. They cannot change my mind. I can tell them that I stand alone if necessary.