CAN THE BLOC OF 12 VOTE FOR A SENATE PRESIDENT?
“YES”, says Retired Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, “under the present circumstances - because Jinggoy Estrada cannot be considered a member (who can vote) at this point”
Here’s one legislators missed. Carpio says the Anti-Plunder Law (RA 7080) strictly prevents a public officer from holding office, applying both during an active trial and upon final conviction.
Carpio says Jinggoy is now SUSPENDED from holding office:
Preventive Suspension: Under Section 5 of the law, any public officer against whom a valid criminal prosecution for plunder is pending in court must be suspended from office. This ensures the accused cannot use their position or the prerogatives of their office to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.
So with this Carpio said “the constitution refers to a majority of senate members (who can vote for an SP or Senate Pro Tempore)
With Jinggoy’s case & Bato missing plus Escudero transfering, the Gatchalian bloc has “majority of ALL members”
LINK: https://t.co/pSGvOFdjL1 @ANCALERTS
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian - SP Pro Tempore
Sen. Erwin Tulfo - Committee Chairman on Blue Ribbon
Sen. Kiko Pangilinan - Committee Chairman on Agriculture
Sen. Risa Hontiveros - Committee Chairman on Health
Sen. Bam Aquino - Committee Chairman on Basic Education
TODAY, WE CHEER FOR THE MINORITY 🥹🫶
“I love actresses. I love to look at them. I love to identify with them. I choose a lot of what I watch based on who I’m going to look at for two hours.”
- Julianne Moore