Transcript of Interview of Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon

Q: On the joint session

Drilon: I was not optimistic that a joint session will take place because the House said it won't agree to a joint session. It takes two to tango. So wala rin iyon.

Q: Ano magiging next move ng minority?

Drilon: We will support any effort to go to Supreme Court. There are certain rules we are aware of. We have been asked whether we should go to the SC. My personal view is ayaw kong mabahiran ng pulitika. Let the other legal scholars do it. That's my view given the very tense environment that we are in today, very partisan. We don't want that any case with the SC will be tainted with partisanship because it's a constitutional issue and we want it to remain that way.

Q: There's an issue about some of the details of the briefing being bared by the senators

Drilon: There is no issue because we have agreed that one particular issue should not be divulged and we have kept that.

Q: By saying support, you will just support whatever action?

Drilon: I don't want na mabahiran ng pulitika. This is constitutional issue. This is the first time, to my knowledge, that that provision of Constitution will be tested. Let the legal scholars study it.

Q: Ang sabi ng kapag hindi raw naaprubahan ang income tax, hindi matutuloy yung mga infrastructure project. Pang-pressure po ba iyon?

Drilon: Regardless of their opinion we will scrutinize it.

Q: Sabi ni Sec. Pernia wala raw expertise ang Congress sa income tax

Drilon: Labing-siyan na taon na ako ritong tumitingin ng budget. I do not claim expertise but certainly we know something about the budget. If that Pernia's statement is accurate, I find that arrogant. Ang yabang naman niya.

Drilon: Sinabi ba niya yan?

Q: Yes.

Drilon: Sabihin mo such arrogance.