SC can’t stop Senate probe on Binays – Drilon

Sen. Franklin Drilon delivers his speech at the Wallace Business Forum in 2013. Photo by Joseph Vidal/PRIB via Drilon’s Facebook page.

MANILA – Following reports on Vice President Jejomar Binay’s camp threatening to take the issue to the Supreme Court, Senate President Franklin Drilon said SC cannot stop the Senate inquiry on allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building II, because of the principle of the separation of powers.

“The principle of separation of powers dictates that we are supreme in our own sphere,” Drilon told reporters on Friday.

“The separation of powers would call for the Senate to continue its investigation in aid of legislation,”he added.

Drilon also added that Binay cannot question the jurisdiction of the Senate committee from inquiring into any matter or issue.

“As defined in the rules, on the basis of the resolution filed, there can be hearings in aid of legislation. This is an investigation in aid of legislation,” he added.

Remaining firm on his belief on the committee’s jurisdiction, he also added that he could not recall any event from the past where the SC had stopped a Senate inquiry.

“A number of cases have been brought to the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court has always sustained the right of the legislature to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation,” he said.

He, however, recognize the right of Binay and his son, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Jun-jun” Binay Jr. to question the committee’s jurisdiction in the high court.

“That’s the privilege of every citizen. But let me reiterate that the questions are in aid of legislation, not for anything else. That is consistent with the decisions of the Supreme Court,” he said.