Senate adjourns ‘sine die’ its first regular session in 16th Congress

By: Maila Ager - 10 years ago

Senate President Franklin Drilon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Senate adjourned sine die its first regular session in the 16th Congress on Wednesday still reeling from the ongoing “pork barrel” scandal.

Congress will open the 2nd regular session next month.

No less than Senate President Franklin Drilon, in his closing remarks before he adjourned the session at 8:42 pm, admitted that the scandal has “cast a long, dark, shadow over the institution.”

“Since we opened the 16th Congress in July last year, it has been a difficult and challenging journey for the Senate,” Drilon said.

“I would like to thank the members of this august chamber for remaining composed and focused on our mandate despite the barrage of harsh and relentless criticisms directed at our beloved institution when the PDAF controversy surfaced last year.”

PDAF is Priority Development Assistance Fund also known as “pork barrel” funds.

The chamber, which Drilon said, has “traditionally reveled in the confidence of the electorate and consistently maintained its prominence, has been battered by, perhaps, the “gravest crisis to have ever crossed its path.”

“In my 16 years in the Senate, never before have I witnessed this kind of turmoil,” he said.

But Drilon said the “openness” in which the chamber has allowed media to report on the scam as well as the trust it has on the legal processes showed how strong the institution has built its democratic foundations to withstand political turmoil.

“However, we cannot deny that the PDAF controversy has cast a long, dark shadow over the institution. And we completely understand the people’s outrage,” he said.

Drilon then noted the “collective” efforts of the members of the chamber to address the issue citing for instance its decision to abolish the PDAF even before it was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional and its own investigation into the alleged misuse of pork barrel funds.

“By undertaking these measures, we are telling our people that the Senate is listening to their pleas and clamors for reforms. We are sending a clear and strong message that their Senate is sensitive to their grievances and concerns,” he said.

Amid these “spirit-breaking challenges,” Drilon remained confident that in time, they would be able to restore the people’s respect and trust in the institution.

“Even if the PDAF scandal was constantly hogging the headlines and trending in the social media for months, and despite the severe public beating, the Senate continues to work around the clock, deliberating on bills and crafting measures that would significantly improve the life of our countrymen,” he said.

“Despite the controversies and political intrigues that incessantly plague the institution, we have persevered and continue to discharge our duties to the Republic and to the people.”

Drilon said the first regular session of the 16th Congress has afforded them the opportunity to prove the stability of the institution in the face of adversity.

The Senate, he said, has shown a “strong resolve to fulfill its duty to the nation, with fervor and determination.”

“Never have we neglected our obligation to the people, even as we confront our present difficulties,” he added.