Drilon: I can’t stop Binay probe, it’s up to Senate sub-panel

Senate President Franklin Drilon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ JOAN BONDOC

MANILA, Philippines — The decision whether or not to stop the investigation on Vice President Jejomar Binay is up to the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee, Senate President Franklin Drilon said on Wednesday, adding that he doesn’t have the authority to do so.

“Of course we will listen but the decision on whether the materials and testimonies gathered are enough depends on the sub-committee chairman and his members,” Drilon said over radio when sought to react to President Benigno Aquino III’s reported call to end the probe.

“I cannot stop it (the investigation) because the committee has to vote on whether their evidence is enough,” the Senate leader added.

Asked if he would then meet the subcommittee being headed by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III to get its consensus on the President’s call, Drilon said: “I am sure they will consider that in the process of their decision making.”

But the Senate leader asserted the authority of each senator to look into any issues presented before a committee.

“The committee is saying that there are other buildings left to be seen. It is within their power and entitlement,” he said, referring to the subcommittee’s ongoing investigation into the alleged overpricing of the Makati City Hall 2 parking building and other anomalies allegedly committed when Binay was still the city mayor.

Drilon earlier disclosed that the President himself had phoned him to relay Binay’s request to stop the Senate probe.

“My answer was that I do not have the power to stop the investigation. It is up to the committee chairman, Senator Pimentel, and his committee members,” he said.

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