MANILA, Philippines—Some senators were caught by surprise when an administration senator gave President Benigno Aquino III a copy of a committee report that recommended the impeachment of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.
Senator Teofisto Guingona III, chairman of the Senate blue ribbon committee, confirmed on Tuesday that he emailed the copy of the committee report to the President for the latter’s appreciation.
“We sent by email,” Guingona told reporters.
“Yeah it’s not common practice but it is in the hope that it will also be acted upon,” he said, adding that the report contained a recommendation to the Office of the President, which has jurisdiction over state prosecutors responsible for the plea bargaining agreement entered into the plunder case of former military comptroller Carlos Garcia.
“It’s just the report I’m giving so it’s for their appreciation so that they can study it, so they can have copy to study,” said Guingona.
Asked if he was lobbying for support, the committee chairman quickly said, “Of course not!”
When sought for comment, Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile initially refused to comment on Guingona’s move as he even asked for understanding since the latter is new in the Senate.
“You know TG (Guingona’s initial) is a very energetic young man and I think he is new in the Senate. We have to understand that,” said Enrile.
But the Senate leader admitted that it was the first time that this was done by a member of the chamber.
“Well, this is the first time that it has been done, if he did it. It has never been done before,” he said.
“I’m sure the President as having been a member of the Senate realizes that the Senate is an independent institution and I hope that every member of the Senate will always remember that while we have our own political linkages, affiliations. Nonetheless, we have to maintain the independence of the Senate,” Enrile added.
Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III also said Guingona’s move was “not a common practice.”
When asked by reporters if it was proper, Sotto said, “It’s not a common practice.”
Asked if it was lobbying, Sotto said in Filipino, “I don’t know. It’s hard to describe.”