Binay wants review of Congress’ power to conduct investigations

Former Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday said he wants a review of the power of  Congress to conduct investigations, as he lamented that some inquiries touch on personal matters.

Section 21, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution states that the “Senate or the House of Representatives or any of its respective committees may conduct inquiries in aid of legislation in accordance with its duly published rules of procedures.”

Binay, who is seeking election as Makati City’s First District Representative in 2019, said that the phrase “in aid of legislation” is too general.

“Kukumbinsihin ko ang mga kasama ko sa Congress na review-hin naman namin ang investigation powers ng Congress, kung hanggang saan dapat,” he said in a forum.

(I will convince my future colleagues in the Congress to review the investigation powers of Congress to determine its extent.)

“Kasi iyong in aid of legislation, sobrang lawak ng ibig sabihin non. Kung minsan ang subject matter kung saan-saan na napupunta. Nagiging personal pa nga,” he said.

(The phrase “in aid of legislation” is too broad. Sometimes, the subject matter becomes personal.)

He said the probe should be limited to the reason why an investigation is being conducted in the first place. /ee