Ethics probe on Enrile, Estrada, Revilla pushed

By: Maila Ager - 11 years ago

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Senator Teofisto Guingona III. NOY MORCOSO III/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – An ethics investigation by the Senate on the alleged involvement of its members in the pork barrel scam has been recommended by the blue ribbon committee.

The three senators implicated in the scam were Juan Ponce-Enrile, Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

“The committee recommends that the Senate committee on ethics and privileges to investigate the accusations of plunder against the accused senators,” said the 122-page report of the blue ribbon committee being headed by Senator Teofisto Guingona III.

“Allegations of plunder reflect deplorably on the dignity, integrity and reputation of the entire Senate, as an institution.”

“This committee, having jurisdiction over all matters relating to the conduct, rights, privileges, safety, dignity and integrity and reputation of the Senate and its members, is duty-bound therefore to conduct a hearing to discipline its members,” it said.

The report, which has yet to be routed to committee members for signature and approval, also recommended the possible disbarment or disciplinary proceedings against the lawyers allegedly involved in the scam.

“From the very beginning, there have been a number of lawyers involved in this case. The most prominent among them are Senator Juan Ponce-Enrile, Jessica Reyes, and Richard Cambe. There are also other who served as notaries, business advisers and legal counsels to the accused,” it said.

Reyes is Enrile’s former chief of staff while Cambe is Revilla’s chief of staff.

“To evaluate the conduct and fitness of these persons to continue serving as members of the legal profession and officers of the court, this committee refers these cases to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the Supreme Court for Disbarment or Disciplinary proceedings,” said the report.

“In order to preserve its reputation and integrity, the legal profession must be free from who use their knowledge and skills to perform or facilitate criminal activity,” it further said.