By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
Navotas Rep. and UNA spokesperson Toby Tiangco: Aquino government moves to impeach Supreme Court justices confirms what we’ve long suspected.
The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) on Thursday accused the Aquino administration of trying to threaten the Supreme Court justices with impeachment so that they would decide in favor of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), funds of which have been misused, according to critics.
“The move to float another impeachment against the justices only confirms what we have long suspected–that this administration intends to blackmail the SC into favoring DAP (Disbursement Acceleration Program). They have become desperate that’s why they have already resorted to cheap blackmail,” Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco, UNA secretary general, said.
The high tribunal is set to hold another oral argument on petitions against the DAP on December 10.
Critics seek to have the controversial program, which sourced funds fromsavings, declared unconstitutional, saying it has been used to favor allies of the administration by giving them projects.
In a privilege speech delivered Wednesday, Mindoro Oriental Representative Reynaldo Umali raised the threat of impeachment against the Supreme Court justices for two recent rulings, which he said showed the high tribunal’s flip flopping and disrespect for a co-equal branch.
Umali referred to the high court’s decision declaring the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) unconstitutional and its order to Marinduque Representative Regina Reyes to vacate her post after it disqualified her on technical grounds.
“We must not let these magistrates sit on their iron thrones for a minute longer. They must know where they stand and if they will continue to lord over the foundations of our great Republic, then they only deserve to be impeached,” Umali, a member of the Liberal Party (LP), said in his speech.
He added: “Let us not allow a co-equal branch of government to emasculate.”
Tiangco said that the Constitution was clear on the grounds for impeachment, adding that this should not be used to threaten the magistrates for decisions they issue which are apparently unsympathetic to the administration.
“Congress cannot just threaten the SC justices of impeachment every time it does not agree with the High Court’s decision, especially whenever the House of Representatives or one of its members is affected, or even worse, when Malacanang or the LP does not get its way,” Tiangco said.
He said that Malacanang is worried that the DAP will suffer the same fate as the PDAF under the hands of the justices.
“Malacanang is now mobilizing its allies in Congress to send a strong message to the SC justices because they are very much aware that a decision against DAP will have a damaging impact on PNoy and his administration,” he added.
Tiangco said he hopes the justice will not cave in to pressure and continue being firm and independent in deciding cases laid before the court.
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