Below is the full Text of Atty. Gigi Reyes’ just-issued STATEMENT AND PUBLIC APOLOGY.
My thanks @Shanna for providing this.
Reyes explains why she resigned irrevocably and discloses that her boss, Juan Ponce Enrile, was supposed to have stated in his Monday privilege speech that he was resigning “IRREVOCABLY” as Senate President but didn’t.
She explains why she resigned abruptly:
My resignation is also due to an honest difference of opinion with my principal, the Hon. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, on how to respond to all these mad and baseless accusations of public fund misuse.
She also discloses that she had “a serious disagreement” with veteran Senate Secretary Emma Lirio Reyes “over her refusal to state the name of the Minority Leader as the one calling for a private audit of the Senate’s funds (which was actually the MOOE of the Secretariat) in the press statement that the Senate President asked her to prepare detailing the Senate’s budget so that the public can be enlightened.”
It seems Gigi Reyes has not only burned her bridges but the adjacent towns as well.
It would seem this is her own version of a senator’s privilege speech.
This photo of Enrile and his Chief-of-Staff Jessica “Gigi” Reyes has gone viral on Facebook. Gigi Reyes sits in the same table with President Noynoy Aquino, Vice-President Jojo Binay and ex-President Erap Estrada during the latter’s birthday dinner.
hamheld.com says
“raissa robles | Enrile
Mel says
Mel says
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxTrVsKOVFg&feature=player_embedded
LYRICS:
The minute you walked in the joint
I could see you were a man of
distinction, a real big spender
Good looking, so refined
Say, wouldn’t you like to know
what’s going on in my mind?
So let me get right to the point
I don’t pop my cork for every man I see
Hey big spender!
Spend a little time with me
Wouldn’t you like to have fun, fun, fun?
How’s about a few laughs, laughs?
I could show you a good time
Let me show you a good time
Mel says
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxTrVsKOVFg&feature=player_embedded
Mel says
Mel says
—
– On a civil case pending before Branch 118 of the Pasay City Regional Trial Court, lakay JPE would have to prove his sainthood as F Marcos’ Martial Law enforcer.
– OFF TOPIC, but related to an ongoing libel case filed by Sen Pres JPE against a Philstar Columnist who was exercising her Constitutional Right of Freedom to (Free) Speech.
kalakala says
gmanetwork.com/news/photo/31604/senate-employees-picket-in-support-of-enrile-gigi-reyes
from: abs-cbnnews.com/nation/01/30/13/senate-employees-happy-kami-kay-enrile:
Atty. Sergio Garcia, chief of staff of Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, said the demonstration was decided at the last minute and nobody organized it.
Among those present were employees from the Senate secretariat, administration, and the offices of senators Enrile, Estrada, Ralph Recto, Lito Lapid, Ramon Revilla Jr., Gregorio Honasan II, and Panfilo Lacson.
pinay710 says
magtanong lang po ako sa mga nasa authoridad na naririto sa blog ni raissa. bakit po ba hindi pa palitan ang konstitusyon ng ating bansa? di ba matagal na ang konstitusyon na ginagmit ngayon. di ba dapat IAGAPAY NA SA PANAHON ang nilalaman ng konstitusyon ng BANSANG PILIPINAS. para yung mga hindi tama at naayon sa ating kapanahunan ngayon ay maisaayos. para mawala na ang mga hindi dapat na ginagawa ng mga nanunungkulan.
Parekoy says
@pinay710
Delikado kasi pag binago. Open sa abuso, baka biglang hindi lang baguhin ang partikular na gustong baguhin, baka pati form of govt baguhin. Pano kung maging parliamentary, di pwede na uling si Gloria maging Prime Minister pag nagkaisa ang mga bataan nyag congresista. Hindi na tao ang pipili ng direkta sa presidente.
Nangangamba lang ang tao, kasi parang forever na nilang hawakan ang pwesto. Karamian pa naman mga Dynasties.
pinay710 says
@parekoy, salamat po. akala ko puede yung lang partikular lalo na sa pagaayos ng pondo ng lahat ng departamento at bawasan ang masyadong garapal na kapangyarihan ng mga namumuno ng mga sensitibong departamento na magpapahirap sa mga mamamayan.katulad ng nangyari sa sendo. sobra ang kapangyarihan ng namumuno ng senado. ang kanilang adhikain ay MAHAL KO SARILI KO!!
AnuBayan! says
Basta televised ang proseso ng pagbabago ng Konstitusyon mahihirapan sila na abusuhin ang mga amendments dahil maraming matang nagmamatyag. Sa pamamagitan ng internet, napakabilis maipaparating sa mga tao ang mga self-serving proposals sa pagbabago ng mga probisyon sa Konstitusyon kaya hindi ito magtatagumpay. In the end, ang kagustuhan ng nakararami ang tunay na mamamayani sa pagbabago ng ating saligang batas!
Parekoy says
SENATE IN SESSION
MAG-INGAT SA MGA MAGNANAKAW
Bakit kaya si Miriam lang ang nagbalik nong Cash Gift?
Ibig sabihin okay sa lahat na Senators yung gift?
Nabanggit ni A. Cayetano na maliit lang yun 250T nya kumpar sa bilyon na pwed nya sanang makuhang pork kay GMA. yun pala bakit hind nya rin isoli muna? Yun din kay Pia nasaan na?
Mga superyaman ang mga Senators, kung talagang nagkamali sila at nagastos na pwedeng questionable, bakit hindi muna nila abonohan yung pera para lumabas na kahit na papano may natitira pang hiya sila? Ibalik muna sa kaban at pag tama ang kanilang claims na gastos, di bayaran sila. Pero ibalik muna ang mga pera.
Daming tanong, wala pang mga sagot.
Baltazar says
As long as the expenses are properly liquidated, it’s OK. Para sa MOOE nman talaga yun. Pride chicken lang naman daw kasi yung kay Tia Miriam kasi unang sinoli daw ni Mamay Juan yung mga soltidos, galletas, otap atbp na inorder pa sa Ilo-Ilo.
AnuBayan! says
Bigla ngang naging tameme ang mga senador natin ngayon pagdating sa isyu ng cash gift and MOOE eh. Paano lahat sila nakinabang dun.
Out of topic: Kung nagcreate na lang sila ng mga bagong korte at ang perang napasakamay mga mga senador at kongreso eh ipinangsweldo na lang sa mga bagong judges at court employees baka umayos at mapabilis pa ang sistema ng hustisya natin. Kaya malakas ang loob ng mga kriminal dahil alam nila na napakabagal ng hustisya sa bansa natin. Pero kung maraming judges (at public prosecutors at PAO lawyers), mabilis ang proseso ng mga kaso.
baycas says
PAGHAHAMBING
2012 Fight: Chief Executive vs Chief Justice
2013 Fight: Senate President vs Senators
2012 Chief Justice
2013 Senate President (Chief of Staff)
2012 SC Resolution hiding SALN
2013 Concurrent Resolution of Both Houses hiding true expenditures
2012 and 2013 Corruption
2012 and 2013 :mad: :cry: :shock: :eek: (emotions running high)
baycas says
PAGHAHAMBING
2012 Fight: Chief Executive vs Chief Justice
2013 Fight: Senate President vs Senators
2012 Chief Justice
2013 Senate President (Chief of Staff)
2012 SC Resolution hiding SALN
2013 Concurrent Resolution of Both Houses hiding true expenditures
2012 and 2013 Corruption
2012 and 2013 :mad: :cry: :shock: :eek: (emotions running high)
Rene-Ipil says
[email protected]
Let us fix the judiciary and congress soonest.
Mel says
FOI Bill finally tackled at House
MANILA, Philippines — The Freedom of Information Bill was finally tackled at the House of Representatives on Monday.By Karen Boncocan. INQUIRER.net
6:23 pm | Monday, January 28th, 2013
Read the article at http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/348509/foi-bill-finally-tackled-at-house
Victin Luz says
To CPMERs: Ang sinasabi ko po sa inyong BONUSES and other PERKs na tinatanggap ng mga DETAILED COA personnels to other Government Agencies ay galing sa PONDO ng Agencies where they are DETAILED. BAWAL po Ito kasi DOBLE ang KUBRA ng BONUS nila, kasi binibigyan din sila ng mga BONUSES ng COA mismo.
Technical Malversation daw ito sabi ng ating mga ABOGADO… Double Compensation din o GRAFT ang kaso ng taga COA dito……Magtanung po kayo sa inyo inyong SECTOR Kung totoo ang sinasabi ko mga CPMERs.
tatahimik iyan mga COA assigned kasi halos lahat ay natanggap ng BAWAL na EXTRA BONUS.
pelang says
During my time, up to 1986, wala talaga kaming tinatanggap. I think from 1980 tinigil na ng mga corporations dahil nagre: reklamo ang mga local and national agencies. But i heard they revived it sometime in the late 90’s. I should know i had contacts with some colleagues who were later on assigned at gsis for example, they were able to collect payback bonuses which were temporary held (bale ina-accrue nila as savings meaning they are continued to be included in the budget of the corporation waiting for the greenlight at the central office to allow it to be given. Siguro, pumayag na ang central office na ibigay ang allowance sa mga coan’s na assigned sa conrporation. I don’t really know. It must be investigated because they’re not supposed to receive these allowances precisely because they are supposed to be independent.
Victin Luz says
Lumala @pelang noong panahon ni GLORYA,…..in order for a resident COA to approved payment of BONUSES for JOB ORDER employees with no employees – employers relationship taken from income of a State University ( not allowed by LAW as it was not one of the power of the Board of Regents to approve/release the same,)
They ( COA ) were given BONUSES to keep silent on the wrong disbursement. Journalist can call State Universities and ask about this wrong doings. Only a few are following the LAW.
Victin Luz says
To CPMERs: Ang sinasabi ko po sa inyong BONUSES and other PERKs na tinatanggap ng mga DETAILED COA personnels to other Government Agencies ay galing sa PONDO ng Agencies where they are DETAILED. BAWAL po Ito kasi DOBLE ang KUBRA ng BONUS nila, kasi binibigyan din sila ng mga BONUSES ng COA mismo.
Technical Malversation daw ito sabi ng ating mag ABOGADO… Double Compensation din o GRAFT ang kaso ng tag a COA dito……Magtanung po kayo sa inyo inyong SECTOR Kung totoo ang sinasabi ko mga CPMERs.
tatahimik iyan mga COA assigned kasi halos lahat ay natanggap ng BAWAL na EXTRA BONUS.
Mel says
Senator P Lacson, who chairs the Senate Accounts Committee, agreed to open up its books and “… “effectively repealed” Concurrent Resolution 10, which allows lawmakers to account for their expenses only through a certification”.
“We can also formalize the rescission of the concurrent resolution by way of another resolution,” he said.
Mel says
Above source: ‘Ceasefire’ as Senate agrees to open books for audit by Ryan Chua, ABS-CBN News
Posted at 01/28/2013 6:22 PM
Updated as of 01/28/2013 6:22 PM
curveball says
Magandang balita ito kung mag-audit ang COA sa mababa at mataas na kapulungan.
Ang result ba kaya ay ipapakita nila sa atin pagkatapos? O sila-sila na lang ang maguusap? Kung may anumalya na makita, may kakasuhan kaya?
Mel says
Mas mainam kung parallel audit by COA and one from a blue chip private accounting firm (e.g. SGV).
Ang audit tingin lang at markado for Senate paper piles, anu ang rules sa mga titles or references of claims? Pa pag aralan pa iyan kung talagang mausisa ang processo ng audit. The Senate may have written or unwritten rules after so many years of wanton claims for reimbursements or payments by mere certification. Loose loose ends.
JPE as senate pres is alarmed by these development, especially if a private firm is commissioned. Big monies are involved and laid back or relaxed processes of claiming payments.
JOINT AUDIT NA LANG. Pareho naman din silang mangangapa sa dilim sa umpisa. Iyong irreconcilable volumes, subject for further investigation para mabilis ang preliminary report. Matagal ang field authentication to verify the many claims.
—
@curveball , ang iyong tanong, “Kung may anumalya na makita, may kakasuhan kaya?” I doubt it. A senator can make complaints (SC or Ombudsman), successful prosecution? Slim.
Cha says
“Although liquidation through certification is not allowed by law, he said it found “legal cover” through the resolution that both the House and the Senate adopted.” – Lacson
So they gave themselves permission to do something not allowed by law by simply agreeing among themselves that this is the way it will be done henceforth? Why does that sound anomalous to me?
Mel says
IT is anomalous (in my opinion).
Only by a concurrent resolution by both Houses it gave it a lawful color.
In their practice and implementation, was it legal?
Let’s see what COA reports after (with or without a parallel or joint audit with a private firm)
– ‘COA says MOOE not a discretionary fund’ (from newsinfo inquirer net/345991/coa-says-mooe-not-a-discretionary-fund)
baycas says
IT IS REALLY ANOMALOUS.
As pointed out by @Rene-Ipil which I emphasized in Comment No. 107, a mere Concurrent Resolution CANNOT be enforced as a law.
Thus, the liquidation by way of certification is WITHOUT legal basis. Also, as can be read in that concurrent resolution (Comment No. 99.3), since time immemorial up to the present, the COA has consistently allowed it.
Now, the funds aligned and realigned as MOOE of Congress (upper and lower) are WITHOUT receipts.
According to COA, a staggering 4.9B pesos of MOOE are WITHOUT receipts.
Either a private auditor or COA will not be able to account for what the lawmakers spent in the past!
Mel says
True.
To collect, collate and sort through their Certificates (Certifications) on file over the years is a long, long process. Still, COA may opt to request the House members to justify their Certificates by way of proofs. That remains to be seen and subject to availability. Their Certificates submitted are material documents stored or archived for records keeping.
By COA’s recent request granted by the Senate thru Sen P Lacson’s initiative, how many did each Senator liquidate their funds by way of Certifications since they commenced office? Follow up question; was it fair and square or even for all Sens, or close with the Reps?
“According to COA, a staggering 4.9B pesos of MOOE are WITHOUT receipts.” So they did some work previously, and allowed it to continue in spite of… They share the blame, … went unreported (at least publicly for sometime) until the recent squabble of unequal Christmas bonuses that it became public knowledge of the ‘anomaly’.
Why involve a private auditing firm filed recently by Sen A Cayetano? Did COA’s previous work satisfactory? I rest my case.
—
– ‘COA says MOOE not a discretionary fund’ (from newsinfo inquirer net/345991/coa-says-mooe-not-a-discretionary-fund)
Mel says
Erra…
DidWas COA’s previous work satisfactory?baycas says
CONGRATULATIONS, @Rene-Ipil. This is a EUREKA moment…
A “eureka” moment for the legislators.
Hats off to @Rene-Ipil in clarifying things. Here is what he pointed out (as copy-pasted from senatedotgovdotph as regards Legislative Process):
@Rene-Ipil,
So, does it mean PH Congress (both upper and lower houses) is “out of order” in invoking the law as regards “liquidation by way of certification”?
Reading the definition of “Concurrent Resolutions”, shall we now say that PH Congress has NO SENSE???
baycas says
Again, I profusely thank Mr. Gutter for these revelations!
raissa says
This is worth looking into.
baycas says
A sample of a Joint Resolution:
http://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/joint-resolution-no.4.pdf
chit navarro says
with this clarification of what a concurrent resolution is, does it mean then that the Commission on Audit is remiss in its duties and responsibilities? Because if COA CONSISTENTLY allowed certifications for liquidating MOOE or whatever it is called, it did not check what is the lega basis for allowing this. Or perhaps they (COA & Congress) have a different interpretation of the language of the definition of a concurrent resolution…
kawawang Pinoy = bayad ng bayad ng buwis; eto naman mga Sena-TONG & TONG-ressman na puro TONG sa pera ng bayan…
pelang says
Chit, hindi ko pinagtatanggol ang coa, ha? But there had been changes. The people who head the coa now like grace tan pulido and heide mendoza are people with good integrity. Medyo mabagal lang ang changes kasi ang mga subordinates nila pareho pa rin sanay sa corrupt practices. Dapat lang talaga na medyo malakas ang loob ni ms. Tan-Pulido at ipakita niya kung sino ang boss.
Mel says
Recent update.
Senator P Lacson, who chairs the Senate Accounts Committee, agreed to open up its books and “… “effectively repealed” Concurrent Resolution 10, which allows lawmakers to account for their expenses only through a certification”.
“We can also formalize the rescission of the concurrent resolution by way of another resolution,” he said.
Vibora says
Mithi
Merong ngayong insidente, nagulat ang mga botante,
Perang laan sa nabakante, nitong ating Presidente,
Meron kaya itong basbas, ng DBM o gabinete,
Mailipat, iaabante, patungo sa MOOE.
Mago na si Baycas, meron siyang inilabas,
Nalaman din sa wakas, kung nasaan ang butas,
Mga apo ni barabas, iyong mga hudas,
Binubutasan ang batas, pera ng bayan mawaldas.
Kalesa ba’y kailangan, kung ang kabayo’y lumisan,
Kutsero lang ang naiwan, pasahero’y naglayasan,
Meron pa bang dahilan, halal na mga kawatan,
Lubos na pagkatiwalaan, nitong mga taong bayan.
Mithiin ko’y wagas, huwag biglang mautas,
Mga manggagatas, sa kalabaw ng mga pantas,
Malagyan ng posas, at humalik sa rehas,
Yumukod sa batas, magbago ng landas.
leona says
…this is another vib! Ora s na matudas! Salamat uli sa mga taga ringbas! Ayaw pumatas. Laging limas.
Kudos to you Vibora!
Rolly says
ang galing naman ng tulang ito.
baycas says
LIQUIDATION BY CERTIFICATION*
This concurrent resolution or joint resolution was signed by SP Enrile and SOTH Belmonte on July 25, 2011.
—–
*NASA ibaba na ang web address ng dokumento na ito kaya lang nasa ere pa bago ma-upload dito sa blog.
Mangyari lang na magkasya muna sa kapirasong sipi ng Joint Resolution na kasalukuyang mainit na pinag-uusapan.
Ito na marahil ang magsesertipika na i-“liquidate” na ang mga may kagagawan nito. Walang transparency at accountability dito.
Hep, teka muna…ang sabi…
COA consistently allowed it…Hmmm…
baycas says
LIQUIDATION BY CERTIFICATION*
This concurrent resolution or joint resolution was signed by SP Enrile and SOTH Belmonte on July 25, 2011.
—–
*The link to this document was already supplied below.
Is it high time that the public certifies to “liquidate” all wrongdoers?
Look, the COA consistently allowed such practice. The current system of liquidation by way of certification ESCAPES transparency and accountability.
Thank you, Gutter, for bringing this up…stinking as it may be, quality improvement on the “bulok” current system must now be done!
curveball says
Pero parang nabasa ko na sinabi ng COA head na simula pa nuon ay ganito na ang gawa nila.
Nagtuturuan na sila kung sino ang nagsimula? Parang tayo pa mga mamamayan ang pinagiisip nila kung sino ang may sala ano? Kung sino ang nagsimula sya ang dapat sisihin?
Paano yan dahil sa matagal na pala nakagawian (sa senado at kongreso) ginawan na tuloy ng resolusyon para maging opisyal na ang lahat.
Di lalo na naging galante ang bawat isa…. PERA NAMIN YANG GINAGASTOS NYO!!
Kaya wala kayo pakialam kung paano nyo lustayin ang pera ng tao.
Iimbestigahan ba o hindi? ang sabi ay pagbobotohan pa ng mga senador kung payag na may independent accounting? Teka kinakabahan ako kasi parang ang mangyayari ay… “kukuha sila ng bato na ipukpok sa kanilang ulo” kung meron silang tinatago.
Rene-Ipil says
[email protected]‘s ex-cos . . .
I saw and heard COA Chairman Tan saying during the Jessica Soho interview that COA accepted the liquidation by certification because it has been a practice for a long time, and that there is a LAW allowing such liquidation by certification. I took her words as true knowing his reputation. I was even ready to defend her. But after reading Concurrent Resolution No. 10 signed by Enrile and Belmonte, I think I cannot defend her anymore.
COA Chairman Grace Pulido-Tan was intellectually dishonest when she said that there is law allowing such liquidation by certification. This explains my observation of her during the interview about her tentative answer to Soho. While she did mention about a joint resolution by congress, she never mentioned about the particular law. As it is now, there is no such law because a law is enacted by congress through specific procedures and then signed into law by the president. None of these constitutional requisites were followed. CR No. 10 is merely a resolution or a manifestation of intent by congress and never enacted as a law. So that such resolution is not binding to COA and the people. Worse, the resolution is in contravention of the mandate of COA.
The lawmakers even had the temerity to declare that the liquidation of budget allocation on MOOE as classified – meaning at par with confidential and intelligence funds. Since when did the purchase of paper clips and cleaning of toilets become confidential or form part of gathering, processing and dissemination of timely information. Maybe the paper clip was used as part of a bugging devise or the janitor was utilized to eavesdrop on the conversation of peeing visitors and lawmakers.
leona says
@Rene_Ipil…concurrent Resolution No. 10. What is a ‘resolution’? How is it different from a law?
xxx The resolution is often used to express the body’s approval or disapproval of something which they cannot otherwise vote on, due to the matter being handled by another jurisdiction, or being protected by a constitution. xxx Wikipedia Dictionary.
…which they cannot otherwise vote on [ because of a contrary provision in the Constitution]
…Due to the matter being handled by another jurisdiction…meaning a ConConvention via Cha Cha; or
…being protected by a constitution, [No. 6 SEC. 25 Article VI Constitution on Legislative Department.]
Another legal fiction and dishonest diversionary squid tactics by Congress. What they cannot do directly is done indirectly. ‘Going around the bush’.
COA surrendered to Congress! Does it have a good active legal department or none? Congress took it upon itself to ‘audit itself’ by ‘CERTIFICATION!
Congress extracted all the ‘teeth’ of COA, never replacing it even with false dentures! So, how can COA bite good cooked sweet corns? Lugaw puede!
COA is all natural gums. No more teeth.
Kajames says
I think after the Soho interview, the honorable COA Chairperson was interviewed shortly thereafter by another station and there she change her tune somewhat to the effect that COA will do its job as mandated by the constitution. Can’t find interview transcript yet but will keep looking, sorry guys!.
pelang says
i think, we can consider Ms.Tan-Pulido as mahina ang loob. Talagang takot. Hindi porke nasanayan na, tama na. If it is wrong, then she should have a courage to say this practice is WRONG and it’s got to be STOPPED! If she doesn’t have the courage to do that, then she has to give up the position. Imagine going to national television telling the people, who are we COAn’s to stop this practice of the senate or words to that effect. Aba! Hello Ms. Tan! Head po kayo ng COA! Meron po kayong constitutional power na i-audit ang lahat ng financial activities ng bawat government entity. Before blurting that thing out, dapat pinag-aralan niya muna. Kahit man lang “we’ll look into that” na answer would have been fair enough. Si sir Baycas nga, ang daling naka pag-research na ang resolution ng senado ay hindi tamang batas, at parang i memorandum lang iyon. hindi pa pirmado ng Presidente (buti na lang kundi sabit din si Pnoy).
pelang says
Excuse me, it was Rene-Ipil who looked it up.sorry.
baycas says
Thanks, I supplied the link to the Concurrent Resolution No. 10 and posted excerpts and comments.
@Rene-Ipil said that it’s distinct from a Joint Resolution and is not considered a law.
Rene-Ipil says
[email protected]
I saw and heard COA Chairman Tan saying during the Jessica Soho interview that COA accepted the liquidation by certification because it has been a practice for a long time, and that there is a LAW allowing such liquidation by certification. I took her words as true knowing his reputation. I was even ready to defend her. But after reading Concurrent Resolution No. 10 (signed by Enrile and Belmonte), I think I cannot defend her anymore.
COA Chairman Grace Pulido-Tan was intellectually dishonest when she said that there is law allowing such liquidation by certification. This explains my observation of her during the interview about her tentative answer to Soho. While she did mention about a joint resolution by congress, she never mentioned about the particular law. As it is now, there is no such law because a law is enacted by congress through specific procedures and then signed into law by the president. None of these constitutional requisites were followed. CR No. 10 is merely a resolution or a manifestation of intent by congress and never enacted as a law. So that such resolution is not binding to COA and the people. Worse, the resolution is in contravention of the mandate of COA.
The lawmakers even had the temerity to declare that the liquidation of budget allocation on MOOE as classified – meaning at par with confidential and intelligence funds. Since when did the purchase of paper clips and cleaning of toilets become confidential or form part of gathering, processing and dissemination of timely information. Maybe the paper clip was used as part of a bugging devise or the janitor was utilized to eavesdrop on the conversation of peeing visitors and lawmakers.
raissa says
The joint resolution has the force of a law.
The Constitution allows Congress to conduct its business its way.
But in this case, perhaps citizens can question the constitutionality of the joint resolution.
Rene-Ipil says
Raissa @105.1
I agree that a joint resolution of congress has the force of law because it bears the approval of the president.But the subject of contention is a concurrent resolution. Thus, it does not have the signature of the president and does not have the force of law.
According to the website of the Senate of the Philippines, joint resolutions and concurrent resolutions are two types of measures that Congress may consider and act upon. Pertinent portions read, as follows:
“2. Joint Resolutions
“A joint resolution, like a bill, requires the approval of both houses and the signature of the President. It has the force and effect of a law if approved. There is no real difference between a bill and a joint resolution. The latter generally is used when dealing with a single item or issue, such as a continuing or emergency appropriations bill. Joint resolutions are also used for proposing amendments to the Constitution.
“3. Concurrent Resolutions
“A concurrent resolution is usually designated in the Senate as S. Ct. Res. It is used for matters affecting the operations of both houses and must be passed in the same form by both of them. However, they are not referred to the President for his signature, and they do not have the force of law. Concurrent resolutions are used to fix the time of adjournment of a Congress and to express the “sense of Congress” on an issue.”
As it is a joint resolution of congress has the force of law if approved by the President. On the other hand, a concurrent resolution (like C. Res. No. 10) does not have the force of law and merely expresses the sense of congress. That is why it is not referred to the president for signature.
baycas says
CONGRATULATIONS, @Rene-Ipil. This is a EUREKA moment…
A “eureka” moment for the legislators.
Hats off to @Rene-Ipil in clarifying things. Here is what he pointed out (as copy-pasted from senatedotgovdotph as regards Legislative Process:
@Rene-Ipil,
So, does it mean PH Congress (both upper and lower houses) is “out of order” in invoking the law as regards “liquidation by way of certification”?
Reading the definition of “Concurrent Resolutions”, shall we now say that PH Congress has NO SENSE???
Rene-Ipil says
[email protected]
Congress is just making a “palusot”. They have lost their sense of what is right or wrong.
Mel says
@Rene-Ipil
NICE one! Kudos for your research.
Hopefully, it raises the ante for COA Chairman Tan to issue a media release to clarify or substantiate what Law was she quoting or referencing it from.
If there are cross lines (miscommunications) between COA’s mandate with the House of Legislature’s functions on Joint and/or Concurrent Resolutions, then COA has to release what parameters (access and limited authority) it has to audit or exert its mandate to the House.
Or to put it bluntly, how, where and when are they OFF-Limits from the independent Branch’s financial business accounting affairs.
Thanks @baycas for flaming the gutter issue.
—
BTW, i have been getting these messages again.
“Error establishing a database connection”
The cyber cretans and jammers are at work again.
pelang says
hindi dahilang nakagawiaan na, ipagpapatuloy pa rin. dapat maputol na ito. nakikinig pala ang senado pag tinitira dito. huwag sana natin lubayan hangga’t hindi nagbabago.
baycas says
LIQUIDATION BY CERTIFICATION*
anton says
Can a self-serving joint resolution by Senate and Congress supersede COA’s constitutional power, authority and duty to examine, audit and settle all accounts and expenditures of the funds and properties of the Philippine government? Don’t you think the joint resolution is unconstitutional and in violation of the constitutional provision that no law shall be passed exempting any entity of the Government or its subsidiary in any guise whatever, or any investment of public funds, from the jurisdiction of the Commission on Audit?
Rene-Ipil says
[email protected]
It is not a joint resolution but a concurrent resolution which has no force of law. Please see my explanation @105.1 January 28, 2013 at 2:44PM.
curveball says
@rene-ipil,
Maraming salamat sa paliwanag mo at lalo ko nalaman ang tungkol sa issue ng “certification only” na ginagawa ng mga senador at kongresman natin na ibinabatay naman sa ginawa nilang resolution. Na pinagdidikdikan nila na nakagawian na kaya ituloy na lang.
Pero kung ganito nga ang ibig sabihin nuon ay may karapatan ang COA na magtanong o magimbestiga kung sa tingin nila ay may anumalya ang mga kwenta?
Pero bakit ang sagot ng COA ay ok na ang “certification only” sa milyon-milyon na gastos/regalo? Ibig ba sabihin di nila nauunawaan ang ibig sabihin ng resolution (o ang sakop lamang nito/o hindi sakop) ?
Mga taga COA- tanong ko lang sa inyo:
1. Nang makita nyo ang resolution, naunawaan ba nyo? (na ito ay hindi batas at pwede nyo gawin ang mandato na dapat nyo gawin sa kanila ng walang takot o pangamba)
2. Natakot ba kayo dahil pirmado ng 2 pinuno ng kapulungan?
3. O sadyang kasangkot kayo sa mga bigayan ng milyon-milyon kaya hindi nyo pwede isumbong ang patuloy na nangyayari ganito (hindi lang anggi, ulan, bagyo kundi mistulang delubyo sa laki ng pera pinamimigay nyo) taon-taon?
Nakakainis talaga na malaman na ganito pala sila. Palagi tayong mga tao na nagtratrabaho ng marangal, nasunod sa batas (magbayad ng tamang buwis) ang hindi kasali sa biyaya.
Manapa, tayo ang ginigisa sa sarili natin mantika… ginagatasan at sinisipsip ang pinaghirapan ng ganuon ganuon lang.
MAHIYA NAMAN KAYO SA MGA TAO NA NAGPAPASWELDO SA INYO!!!!!!!
Victin Luz says
@Anton ,….with my experience as Board of Regent of distant State University of the South,…..after my retirement in the Government , ……COA’s so as State University’s Implementing Rules Regulations and Procedure’s although signed by the Speaker of the House ,Senate President , even the Secretariat affixed his/her signature and concurred by our President , that IRR and COA’s guidelines/procedure had the Force of a Law , but the legality or illegality and the constitutionality or unconstitutionality of the latter remains the AMBIT/PARLANCE of the Supreme Court to decide.
One COA rules I still remember was ” a cash advanced made by a government employee must liquidate the same not later than every first 17th day of the year or not later than January 17th of the New Year ” …Failure to liquidate such an amount the COA can file a case against you but the SC has yet decide a case elevated to the SC, so that such COAs rule become a LAW itself.
For a State University, the most prostituted IRR was the extension of a University President of his/her 4yrs. Ist term that will prolong their retirement age of 70yrs., only now that CHED chair LICUANAN implemented SC ruling that they can no longer be extended ( their Presidency ) after 70yrs.
Certification if allowed in the Senate and the House , even if approved by the President , the legality or illegality can be questioned at SC.
Rene-Ipil says
CPMers, Rolly, Rossi @62.9
I suggest that the election this year be postponed until we have amended the constitution soonest through a constitutional convention. The task of calling a constitutional convention shall be done by the present congress for this purpose only. Current elective officials shall be in hold-over capacity.
Let’s elect delegates and amend the constitution declaring the position of justices of the Supreme Court vacant, abolishing the present congress and creating a unicameral assembly whose members shall be elected by regions. Other urgent aspects, i.e. economy and security, maybe considered.
Reorganizing the Supreme Court has been overdue even before the removal of Corona. In electing the assemblymen by regions both the local and national concerns are given attention in lawmaking. Purely local aspects are left to mayors and governors. Pork barrel is abolished and implementation of projects is done by national and local executives. Autonomous regions would be well defined. Economic flaws are corrected.
Let us amend the constitution while President Benigno S. Aquino III is the chief executive. This is our only chance to ensure progress and preserve the gains achieved by the present administration.
I am convinced that PNoy would step down in 2016. So we must have a like-minded chief executive after him.
raissa says
Sorry, I don’t agree that a unicameral assembly is the solution. And a Con-Con is the solution.
Rene-Ipil says
[email protected]
Do you mean that a unicameral body is not a solution while the con-con is a solution? Please clarify.
Be reminded that the present bicameral congress is the result of one vote majority in the constitutional commission by Cory. The pros and cons are recorded during the deliberation. It appears now that bicameral body is inappropriate based on our sad experience with the present crop of lawmakers. Btw the party list system should be abolished also.To me the most important function of the legislative body is the enactment of the general appropriations law a.k.a. national budget and tax laws where the people are represented equitably at least by region. Without these laws the government will be paralyzed. On the other hand, we have a surfeit of non pecuniary statutes on gerrymandering, renaming streets, cyber crimes, carabao propagation, etc.
leona says
@Rene_Ipil…can do that but ‘one at the proper time’…The idea is good but not ripe.
FOI…should be ripe!
Rene-Ipil says
[email protected]
In that case, let my suggestion serve as a beacon.
leona says
Your ‘beacon’ will when Cha Cha time comes around, one of these CPMers should be there ‘dancing’ the cha cha as a delegate! With the full support of our many here.
Rolly says
@Rene-Ipil @leona
I agree with Rene that charter change should be done this days while Noynoy is the president. His popularity, influence and resolve for a better Philippines would be a component and could be the basis and deciding factor in the minds of the ConCon delegates in crafting a Constitution that is relevant to the times.
But…….do we really need to change the Constitution just for the sake of change? No matter how good, pertinent and appropriate our Laws are, if the authorities and the people running the governments -be local or national- continue to their wicked ways, our dreams for the betterment of our beloved country shall remain a dream.
We should draw a Constitution that would be doubly hard to circumvent; must be plain and simple; no catchy words or phrase; no interpretation needed, or minimal if ever. An enabling Law should also be incorporated within to very few selected provisions to free Congress from enacting one that would take decades to fulfill…anti-dynasty for example.
Below is my reply to Leona 4 days back…at # 13.1 replies…Newbie Senator………
Rolly says:
January 25, 2013 at 11:43 am
@leona
To me, our Constitution is good enough. Enacting an enabling law is where problem lies, more so, its implementation.
Radical overhaul of our Constitution is required if ever we decided to change it.
Maybe, CPMers can draft one and put it up to the ConCon assembly for scrutiny and consideration.
We dedicate a space…an article of its own that can be visited from time to time in the side, for people to comment , suggest, edit and debate upon. Concurrence of Raissa is of course must be sought first for the needed web space.
The good starting point could be, the merit and advantages of a Parliamentary system. People (locals or aliens) can voice out their opinions, and further down the track, we bring forth a solid base that would become the foundation of a proposed Constitution.
My reply to Rene, # 62.9 this article:
Rolly says:
January 27, 2013 at 2:56 pm
@Rene-Ipil
Or maybe, do away to all the Constitutions we have and edict a new one through a Constitutional Convention.
Concon Delegates and those who held elective position in the last 100 years shall be precluded from an elective and/or appointive Post 25 years after the ratification of the new Constitution.
chit navarro says
Let’s just push for the approval of the FREEDOM ON INFORMATION ACT (FOI)
and let us campaign for TEAM PINOY for the Senate
para may kasangga si Presidente na maglinis ng baho ng Senado……
Pwede po ba na magkaroon naman tayo ng mga senador at mga opisyales ng Senado na may puso para sa bayan… at hindi para sa kani-kanilang bulsa lamang…
Rene-Ipil says
Chit @ 103.2
I agree. As a palliative.
baycas says
may bagong survey. di ko lang maiposte now.
from SWS-Businessworld…
Cha says
TOP 12 SENATORS
Per latest Buinessworld-SWS Survey
1. Legarda
2. Escudero
3. Cayetano, A.
4. Ejercito, J.V.
5. Honasan
6. Pimentel
7. Zubiri
8. Villar, C
9. Enrile, J
10. Trillanes
11. Poe
12. Binay, N.
Next 5:
13. Angara, S
14. Gordon
15. Aquino, B
16. Magsaysay, J
17. Madrigal
Tied at 18-19 : Hontiveros and Maceda
Rene-Ipil says
[email protected]
Maybe we should vote only for Trillanes, Angara, Aquino, Magsaysay, Madrigal and Hontiveros to dislodge Binay and Enrile. Or maybe the the first four only (TAAM). I also want Madrigal and Hontiveros to win but we must employ doable moves to maximize LPs in the senate. Let’s see our options after the last survey prior to Election Day.
Victin Luz says
Tama ka [email protected], …Trillanes,Angara,Aquino, Magasaysay,Madrigal, Hontiveros ONLY para malaglag ang mga ayaw natin na pumasok….ok sir Hontiveros must win….
curveball says
Sa akin ay mas maraming LP para maituloy ang naumpisahan ni Pnoy. Yung tira ay sa ibang partido para maging opposition(?).
1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18
Sabi nga lesser evil ang pipiliin. Nakakalungkot isipin na ito na lang ba ang pinakamaganda na pagpipilian?
Wala ba tayo matatawag na 100% na matalino/magaling, marangal, makatao, at may prinsipyo?
Meron lang isang tao na pwede ko mailagay dito… si Sec Jesse (RIP) sana kung andito pa sya.
Cha says
More on the MOOE , The COA and The Senate : the not so fine print
From Philstar today (28 Jan)
Senate barred COA from fund scrutiny
Christina Mendez
Headlines, News (link to follow)
Highlights.:
1. The COA raised concern about the practice of certification only for MOOE expenditures in its annual audit in 2011.
2. The senators and congressmen adopted resolutions to protect the said practice in 2011 and 2012. In other words, the state auditors were simply barred from looking closely at the way those funds are used. They win. The people lose.
Mendez writes:
On July 25, 2011, the two chambers approved Concurrent Resolution No. 10, recognizing the “delicate and unique nature of the functions, operational and organizational structures of the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Commission on Appointments, and the Senate and House Electoral Tribunals.
The resolution declared that the COA “has consistently allowed” Congress to continue “the current system of liquidation by way of certification,” which recognizes that lawmakers have utilized their MOOE “in the performance of their legislative functions.”
This system, according to Resolution No. 10, “is in keeping with the nature of the performance by the Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives and their respective committees of their legislative, oversight, and constituent functions and responsibilities.”
With the concurrence of the House, which has the power of the purse, the Senate declared that the system of financial accounting and liquidation by each lawmaker is “consistent with applicable accounting and auditing rules” and “shall be maintained.”
Senators adopted the resolution on Aug. 24, 2011; the House followed on Feb. 1, 2012.
3. The Senate MOOE budget in 2012 is a whopping P1,462,678,000!!!! broken down as follows:
-P442,415,000 was for locally funded projects under the oversight committees
-P589,865,000 was for general administration and support
-P430,578,000 for operations or legislative services.
More than a billion pesos the senators have at their disposal and all they need to access it is their precious signature. How much is a signature worth?
4. The MOOE allocation in the budget has doubled during the time of Enrile, as noted by Cayetano in his controversial privilege speech. From P759 million in 2008 to P1.57 billion for 2013.
The pig is well and truly fattened.
To market to market, to buy a fat pig
Home again, home again,
Jiggety jig …..
Cha says
Link:
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/01/28/901893/senate-barred-coa-fund-scrutiny
drill down says
lawmakers conniving to defeat checks and balances, one of the most important features of the constitution, in the government.
Alizarin Viridia says
THANK you CHA for fleshing out some black bones of contention on
my posting about COA.
curveball says
Kaya pala lakas ng loob nila magbigayan ng cash gifts at magastahan ng pera na hindi naman kanila (pero kung sarili nila yan sigurado ako mga tira-tira yan) kasi pala walang pwede mag-kwenta o magtanong sa kanila.
At kaya din pala walang ingay ang COA para silang mga taga labas lang. Kunwari checking ng mga gastos pero hanggang kwenta at sulat lang pala.
Sabi nga ng isang poster… tingin lang sa langit. Kahit na punong puno ng anomalya ang kwenta nasa harap mo, tingin lang sa langit kasi ala ka magagawa para kwestyunin ang kagustuhan ng mga senador at kongresman.
Nakagawa ng Resolution na self serving.
Mabuhay kayo… mga mandaraya!!!!!!
Mga kawatan!!!!
Di pala sila mga bobo tulad ng sinabi ko dati. Mga matatalino pala sila dahil ang galing gumawa ng batas… na sila lang ang makikinabang.
Mga tuso!!!!!
PERA NAMIN ANG GINAGASTA NYO… DI BA PWEDENG TIPIRIN NYO NAMAN?
Kami nga puro pagtitipid ang ginagawa namin para lang may matira sa sweldo at kinaltas na ang tax namin.
pinay710 says
talaga naman sobra sa PINAKA SOBRA na abuso. yung mga ibang empleyado ng pamahalaan talga kayod marino. tapos sila na ang sarap ng kinalalagyan nila na opisina eh mga nagpapasasa ng husto. HINDI MAKATARUNGAN ANG GINAGAWA NG MGA NANUNUNGKULAN SA BAYAN.
PANGULONG NOYNOY ALAM MO BA NA MASYADONG INAABUSO ANG MGA MAHIHIRAP NA BOSS MO? PINAGHIHIRAPANG BUWIS NA KINAKALTAS NA AGAD SA MGA SUELDO PINAGPAPASASAAN NG IILAN?
KAYA HINDI UMAASENSO ANG PILIPINAS TAYO TAYO NAGGUGULANGAN. SINASAMANTALA ANG MGA MAMAMAYAN.
MANGAMATAY NA SANA KAYONG LAHAT NA MGA KURAKOT!!
DAIG NYO PA AND DIOS SA KAPANGYARIHAN!!
pinay710 says
kaya nga ba tama lang ang mga sinasabi ng mga kaibigan ko kung kinukuwentuhan ko sila ng mga pangyayari sa senado. sabi nila. “AY NAKU HUAG NA TAYONG MAKIALAM DYAN!! KAHIT NA ANO PA ANG GAWIN NATIN TULOY PA DIN ANG MGA KATIWALIAN SA PAMAHALAAN NATIN. MATANDA NA TAYO HANGGANG NGAYON GANYAN PA DIN NG GANYAN. DAMI NANG NAGDAAN NA ADMINISTRASYON WALA NAMAN NANGYAYARI. BASTA MAGHAGNAPBUHAY NA LANG TAYO. HINDI NAMAN NILA TAYO PAKIKINGGAN. KAHIT NA SINO PA ANG IBOTO NATIN GANAYAN PA DIN NG GANYAN ANG MANGYAYARI.”
kaya walang PILIPINO ang nakikialam dahil sa kalakaran na ng Pilipinas ang ganitong uri ng gobyerno. puro PAGNANAKAW SA KABAN NG BAYAN.
Cha says
Tuloy ang boksingan ng mga Senador!
(with thanks to @Mel for the links he posted at 90.4)
1. Pre-fight highlights: Lacson Shadow Boxing
Sabi ni Lacson, sana naman daw pumayag si SP JPE at ang kanyang mga kapwa senador na buksan ng kanilang mga libro upang magkabistuhan na kung paano ba talaga ginagastos ang mga pondo ng mga senador.
Pulos suntok sa hangin, walang lumalanding. Pakiusap ang dating. Pero sa huli ang sabi, hindi naman daw niya talaga sila kaya pilitin. Epal lang pala. Gusto lang makisali sa usapan at magmukhang kakampi ng bayan.
2. The Main Event : Lacson vs. Miriam Santiago
Heto ang mas may bagsik na labanan sana. Mukhang may patama na talaga ang suntok ni Lacson. Hindi lang lucky punch, ika nga.
Eto daw si Miriam, merong satellite office na ang nagbabagayad ng renta, siyemore taung bayan. Galing sa pondo bilang senador baga. P840,000 a year ang renta. Ang kontratang pinirmahan ng senadora ay para sa taong 2010 hanggang 2014. So aabutin ng kulang kulang sa apat na milyon ang makukubra sa gobyero sa buong kapanahunan ng kontrata. Ang pangalan ng building NARSAN, short for Narciso Santiago! yung kanyang ASAWA. In other words, kaniya rin yung building!!
Graft daw ito, sigaw ngayon ni Lacson. Oo nga naman, di ba.
Pero nang tanungin kung sasampahan niya ng kaso ang kapwa senador, saka na raw pag gumaling na sa sakit niya yung huli.
Ayayay, padaplis lang pala uli ang suntok ni Pilo!
Suntok sa hangin walang aanihin.
romy says
Tama naman ang paliwanag ni Sen. Lacson — pabayaan na munang gumaling sa sakit si Sen MDS bago sampahan ng kaso. Sa gayon, palagay ko’y tatagal ang sakit ni Sen MDS upang matapos na ang termino ni Sen Lacson… at saka na siya gagaling ang babalik sa Senado upang inisin muli si SP JPE.
Madagdag ko naman ang tanaw ko sa ipinipilit ni Sen. APC na dapat private auditor ang mag-audit ng Senado. Ipinalalabas niya na sangkot din ang COA sa mga katiwalian sa paggasta ng mga senador kasi napagtatakpan ang tunay na maling paggamit ng mga pondo. Sa paliwanag naman ni Sen Lacson, hindi maaaring gamitin ang pondo ng gobyerno sa pag-audit, kasi nga naman nandiyan ang COA na ang talagang dapat gawin ay mag-audit ng gobyerno. Kung talagang ipipilit ni Sen APC na pribadong autit ang kailangan, bakit kaya hindi mag-volunteer ang mga mayayamang corporation na sila ang gagasta sa ilalim ng kanilang CSR (corporate social responsibility) at hingin ang pahintulot ng Senado sa ganitong paraan. (May tututol din sa paraang ito, kasi parang magiging daan din ito ng paggigipit ng mga corporation sa Kongreso.)
Sa kabuuan, kailangang bigyan ng tiwala ang COA sa kanilang gagawin. Ang panukala ni Sen APC ay tuwirang sinisira ang tiwala sa lahat ng sangay ng gobyerno. Sino pa ang ating paniniwalaan?.