Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. SENATE POOL
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile frowned on suggestions to require nominees to the post of Chief Justice to submit waivers on their bank deposits.
“Masyado naman yatang OA ‘yun (That may be OA [over-acting]),” Enrile said in an ambush interview, clearly upset when he heard of the proposal.
“It’s like telling the nominee we do not trust him so he needs to waive his right [to the secrecy of his bank accounts],” he explained.
Enrile said that in the case of ousted Chief Justice Renato Corona, he volunteered the waiver on his bank accounts after the impeachment court learned of his properties not listed in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).
“This is a different situation. It’s like telling would-be public servants we do not trust them. Maybe it would be better to just dissolve the republic. There is no hope if we do not trust our elected and appointed officials occupying powerful positions,” he said.
Enrile said he would not agree to such a condition if he were the nominee.
“I will be serving the country and immediately you suspect my motives,” he said.