Escudero: Still premature for SC to tackle Padilla’s Cha-cha petition

Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero —Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis Escudero believed it is still premature for the Supreme Court to tackle the latest Charter change (Cha-cha) petition filed by Sen. Robinhood Padilla.

Speaking to reporters in a press conference on Wednesday, Escudero said Padilla’s move is his personal decision, adding that he did not consult any member of the chamber.

“Personally, in my point of view, and I am not saying that this is correct, in my view the Supreme Court does not have jurisdiction yet because the filing of the case is premature because there is no justiciable or controversy required by the court before it assumes jurisdiction over any petition that was served to them,” said Escudero.

READ: Padilla seeks SC oral argument on joint vs separate Cha-cha votes

“But I don’t want to preempt the Supreme Court. I said my opinion as a lawyer but I don’t want to presume what the court will do. Also as a lawyer, I’m a trained officer of the court and I have been trained to respect whatever decision that the court will hand down, whether or not I agree with it. It’s not for me to pre-empt the court. I simply think that it is premature. That is my own legal opinion on the matter,” he added.

Padilla, who heads the Senate panel on constitutional amendments and revision of codes, filed a petition before the Supreme Court, asking for an urgent oral argument to resolve the issue of whether both houses of Congress should jointly or separately vote on modifications to the 1987 Constitution.

But would the Senate chief tell Padilla that his bid is only a waste of time? Escudero then clarified his stand.

“It’s not a waste of time. Everyone has freedom and rights and has their own legal counsel and advice that they accept. What I gave you earlier is just my own legal opinion. I’m not saying it’s right and binding on everyone,” he said.

In July, Escudero announced that the Senate would put divisive bills, such as amending the Constitution on the back burner.

“It’s not a priority for me and since it was not mentioned in the Ledac (Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council), I don’t think it’s a priority of the Ledac or the executive [branch] either,” he clarified in a press briefing afterward.

“In its stead, bills which can effect the same result—but without the needless political noise and bickering—will be prioritized. This will allow us to focus our energy on measures, which the people truly need,” he added then.