Press Release
August 20, 2014

Transcript of Ambush Interview with Senate President Franklin M. Drilon

Q: On Sol. Gen. Jardeleza as new member of the judiciary

SPFMD: He has been nominated by the JBC as a qualified member of the judiciary. The President in effect confirmed that by appointing him. Well, there had to be an appointment because the deadline for appointment is today.

Q: Hinabol na lang ni President Aquino yung appointment?

SPFMD: What is wrong with that?

Q: Do you expect a conflict with Jardeleza's appointment, given that CJ Sereno earlier objected?

SPFMD: Under the Constitution, the prerogative to appoint is under the President. The limitation is that he chooses from the list made by the JBC so he chose one. That's what the constitution authorizes , with the limitation on the power of the President. The principle is that the President acted within the bounds of the Constitution.

Q: Is Jardeleza a good choice?

SPFMD: I know him to be an intelligent person. I have known him for years. I have always him as an upright and intelligent person.

Q: What about accusations on Jardeleza regarding his handling of Philippine case against China

SPFMD: I am not familiar with that.

Q: CJ Sereno does not have a choice but to accept?

SPFMD: That is how the system works. Under the Constitution, the Supreme Court can check any abuse of discretion under the part of any agency. The JBC is under the Supreme Court. Jardeleza went up to the Supreme Court since he believed that there was an issue of abuse because he said he was not given a chance to defend himself, and due process was invoked. That was his theory, and the Supreme Court sustained it, saying , " Include it."

Q: Is he a good addition?

SPFMD: Well, remember he cannot participate in the voting of the DAP. He will not be able to help the administration on the DAP issue, and yet the President chose him.

Q: Can he influence the others?

SPFMD: He will inhibit himself from that issue.

Q: On the Charter Change for economic restrictions

SPFMD: Our agreement is that the House will work on the measure and we will follow. The procedure being followed is that it is a resolution that will be subjected to the ordinary process followed by ordinary legislation. But there is a vote of three-fourths separately before Congress can approve it. Once the House approves it, it will come to us, and it will be referred to the appropriate committee - on the Committee for Constitutional Amendments. It will enter first reading, and will be reported out into second reading, and will be voted upon. At that point, the three-fourth rule will be already required. And then we will pass it on third reading, also following the three-fourths vote. Then it will enter bicam, where if there are no differences, then it will be submitted for ratification. I want to wait for the word of the House.

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