SEN. NANCY BINAY'S STATEMENT
On the decision of the Supreme Court to declare PDAF, Presidential Authority
to use the Malampaya Fund unconstitutional

In our system of government, the Supreme Court is the final arbiter of all questions on legality of any ordinance, rules or statutes and their adherence to the Philippine Constitution.

Today, the Supreme Court has ruled with immediate effect on the unconstitutionality of PDAF.

I respect the decision of the justices of the Supreme Court and we, as legislators, must strictly follow such ruling.

We must conform to the fundamental principles outlined by the SC in its decision. These rules should serve as guidelines for the Senate especially at this time where we are scrutinizing the proposed 2014 budget submitted by the Executive.

From the very beginning when I took oath as Senator, I have decided not to use the 2013 PDAF allocation in deference to the Supreme Court.

Alam po natin na sa ating sistema ng gobyerno, ang Kataas-Taasang Hukuman ang huling tagahatol sa lahat ng mga katanungan tungkol sa legalidad ng mga ordinansa, alituntunin at kautusang-bayan at ang pag-sang-ayon ng mga ito sa Saligang Batas.

Nagsalita na po ang Korte Suprema at kailangan po tayong sumunod at tumalima.

Iginagalang po natin ang desisyon ng ating mga mahistrado. Ang mga prinsipyo na inilatag po ng Korte Suprema ay kailangan nating sundin at nawa'y magsilbi bilang patnubay lalo na po sa Senado na ngayon po ay kinikilatis ang panukala ng Malacanang para sa 2014 national budget.

Salamat po.