Makati Building 2 probe hangs pending Senate panel’s final ruling on Binay ‘challenge’

By: Maila Ager - 10 years ago

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate blue ribbon committee on Tuesday directed its sub-committee to resolve with finality the jurisdictional challenge filed by Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay into its investigation of Makati Building 2.

At the same time, Senator Teofisto Guingona III, chairman of the blue ribbon committee, said the investigation would be “held in abeyance” until a ruling would be issued by the sub-committee chaired by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Senator Teofisto Guingona III. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net

Acting on the motion with manifestation filed by Binay, Guingona said the committee decided to return the motion to the sub-committee to decide with finality on the issue.

The blue ribbon sub-committee had junked the petition filed by Binay’s camp.

Guingona said that under the Senate rules, the powers of the blue ribbon sub-committee were “plenary.”

“They are complete. They can do any and all acts which the mother committee can make except in two instances,” he said in a press conference.

“One, when it has contempt. When it’s an issue of contempt, they can’t cite anyone for contempt, it has to be brought up to the mother committee and of course the second instance is when they make their committee report , the sub-committee report has to be submitted to the mother committee for approval,” he said.

And since the petitions on jurisdictional challenge were filed before the blue ribbon committee, Guingona said he would refer them back to the sub-committee headed by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III to rule on the issue with finality.

“Until the jurisdictional challenge is resolved by the sub-committee with finality, it’s logical and proper that the hearings of Senate Resolution 826 be held in abeyance. They have to resolve with finality muna the jurisdictional issue and its motion for reconsideration before they can proceed with the hearings on the issue,” said Guingona.

The sub-committee is set to resume its hearing at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8.

Guingona said it would be up to the sub-committee to discuss either this Tuesday or Wednesday the appeal on the jurisdictional challenge before proceeding with the investigation.