“There will be no arrest within the Senate premises of our colleague,” Zubiri said in an ambush interview on Tuesday.
“While session, which would be still taking place this afternoon, while they’re doing committee hearings, and the official functions, no arrest will be done within the premises of the Senate,” he added.
On Tuesday morning, Malacañang released a proclamation signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on August 31, revoking the amnesty given to Trillanes because there is no copy of his application for amnesty.
READ: Duterte revokes Trillanes amnesty, orders his arrest
According to the Senate’s Parliamentary Immunities, a member of Congress cannot be arrested if the offense charged against the lawmaker is not punishable by more than six years of imprisonment.
“A Senator or Member of the House of Representatives shall, in all offenses punishable by not more than six years imprisonment, be privileged from arrest while the Congress is in session,” the rule said.
“No member shall be questioned nor be held liable in any other place for any speech or debate in Congress or in any committee thereof,” it added.
On questions whether Trillanes might use the privilege, Zubiri clarified that it’s not an issue.
“Hindi naman sanctuary, there’s precedents on that already with Senator Leila de Lima,” he said.
“The decision, you should ask the Senate President, I’m the majority leader of members of the majority, a member of the minority has a problem, the SP (Senate President) being the father of the institution would be the one to give you the answer,” he added. /muf