The other half

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BY AYIN DREAM D. APLASCA
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Wednesday, September 6, 2017
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CHECK and balance is very important in government. It allows each branch of the government to amend or veto acts of another branch so as to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power against the others.

Lawmakers play an important part in this kind of system. However, they, of course, are also capable of committing mistakes. Who, then, checks on them especially when it comes to their jurisdiction?

Case in point is what happened between two senators. Sen. Richard Gordon threatened to file an ethics complaint against fellow senator, Antonio Trillanes IV.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution allows Congress to “punish its members for disorderly behavior” through suspension or expulsion. Almost 30 years after the reestablishment of democracy in 1986, the Senate has so far censured only two senators – Juan Ponce Enrile and Heherson Alvarez.

Some of us know that the Senate committee on ethics and privileges has jurisdiction on all matters relating to the conduct, rights, privileges, safety, dignity, integrity and, reputation of the chamber and its members.

Just this Monday, after their heated argument, Senate blue ribbon committee chairman Richard Gordon filed an ethics complaint against opposition senator Antonio Trillanes IV for “unparliamentary acts” and language.

Others would say that the intention is good but still, the Senate is a political body. If the case prospers however malicious, who, then, checks its action? In my view, the incident between the two senators wasn’t malevolent. There were established facts for the complaint to prosper.

The continuous unparliamentary acts and language of Senator Trillanes is causing damage to the Senate and to the people.  The complaint is for the purpose of maintaining the dignity of the Senate.

The complaint originated from the face-off of the two Senators during the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on Aug. 31. Senator Trillanes asked the panel to summon presidential son Davao City vice mayor Paolo Duterte and son-in-law Manases Carpio. The reason was to inquire regarding the alleged smuggling.

Gordon said what Trillanes were alleging were all hearsay. Thus, the latter accused the former of protecting the first family.

Before this, the two senators also had a heated argument during the investigation on extrajudicial killings.

The ethics complaint is part of the internal rules of the Senate. It is necessary to preserve the other half of Congress. We may ask concerning the facts, the issue, and the decision. But in the given situation, I guess the case will prosper.

Well, it is a learning experience for all of them. They should be more cautious and mindful of the weight of their actions.

(Atty. Ayin Dream D. Aplasca practices her profession in Iloilo City. She may be reached thru ayindream.aplasca@gmail.com/PN)
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