Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III says President Duterte may opt to “block” or “unblock” the path of Palace executives invited to attend the Senate hearings related to alleged anomalies in the purchase of medical supplies from Pharmally.
He gave his comment in an exclusive interview over Newsmakers Ug Uban Pa on Sept. 15, 2021, hosted by Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Dave Albarado.
“Itong mga pangyayaring ito at yung mga sinasabi ng pangulo, kung tutuosin, ano, dalawa lang ang pwedeng response ng pangulo dito, or ng executive department; either they block or they unblock,” Sotto told the hosts of the said program.
Sotto reacted on the move of Duterte requiring clearance before allowing executive department officials to attend Senate hearings.
The president on Sept. 14, 2021 issued a directive barring Cabinet and other officials from the executive department from attending the Senate hearing because these officials are no longer able to attend to their respective duties as they spend too much time at the Senate.
However, Duterte recognizes the power of the Senate to conduct investigations in aid of legislation.
Sotto said if Duterte opts to block the path, then it would be similar to what happened during the time of former President Diosdado Macapagal when no investigation happened because the suspect, Henry Stonehill, was deported, denying the Senate the chance to investigate the matter.
The Senate President added that Duterte may opt to unblock, just like what happened during the administration of the late President Benigno Aquino III, when the latter allowed the Senate to probe the anomalies involving Janet Napoles.
Sotto emphasized that it is up to the Palace if it would allow executives to attend the Senate hearings.
Moreover, Sotto referred to Executive Order (EO) 464 issued by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2005 barring officials to attend Congressional hearings without prior clearance.
He mentioned this as he asserted the power of the Senate to summon Cabinet officials to any Senate hearing.
“So nasa kamay na yan ng Presidente, [if he allows Cabinet officials to attend the hearing],” the Senate President quipped.
The Supreme Court decided in 2006 to nullify 2 sections of the said EO but asserted the right of the president to forbid officials from attending hearings in Congress. At the same time, the High Court also recognizes the right of the Senate to summon Cabinet officials.
The Senate Blue Ribbon committee headed by Sen. Richard Gordon is conducting a probe regarding alleged anomalous purchases made by the government with a firm identified as Pharmally.