Ethics probe on Enrile, Estrada, Revilla pushed

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.

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