LIVE: Senator Chiz Escudero holds press conference | June 16

Summary

The transcript discusses various political and legal matters, including the authority of the impeachment court and the limitations on gag orders. It emphasizes the safety of Filipinos amidst the Israel-Iran conflict and the importance of repatriation flights. The speaker also addresses the constitutionality of the postponed barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, highlighting the addition of a set term for elected officials. Lastly, the speaker discusses the significance of the upcoming BARM Ministerial elections, stressing the importance of accountable elected officials for the region’s future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The presiding officer in an impeachment court cannot issue a gag order, as this is beyond their power.
• 😀 Only the prosecution or defense can request motions regarding issues such as social media posts or interviews once a trial begins.
• 😀 Senator judges in impeachment courts are expected to uphold their roles responsibly, being accountable to the public who elected them.
• 😀 The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has raised concerns about the safety of Filipinos in the region, with calls for repatriation flights for those affected.
• 😀 The current law regarding the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections addresses the issue of term limits, making it compliant with the Supreme Court’s previous ruling.
• 😀 The postponement of barangay elections was declared unconstitutional because no set term was established, but the new bill fixes this issue by specifying a four-year term for elected officials.
• 😀 The passage of the barangay and SK elections bill is seen as a significant legislative step, with confidence that it will become law barring unforeseen challenges.
• 😀 The BARM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) will hold its first real elections in October, which will allow for elected leaders to be accountable to the people rather than appointed.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that future BARM officials should be indebted to their constituents and not the administration that appointed them.
• 😀 The president's support for the barangay and SK elections bill is expected, as it was discussed during a recent meeting, though the Supreme Court could still challenge the law’s constitutionality.
• 😀 The need for comprehensive safety measures for Filipinos affected by the Israel-Iran conflict is critical, particularly regarding job security and repatriation.

Q & A

What is the role of the impeachment court in handling complaints?

The impeachment court can only handle complaints if either the prosecution or defense formally requests it after the trial has begun. Complaints based on social media posts do not fall under the court's jurisdiction.

Can the presiding officer issue a gag order in the impeachment court?

No, the presiding officer does not have the power to issue a gag order. This is outside of their authority.

What is the main concern regarding the safety of Filipinos due to the Israel-Iran conflict?

The main concern is ensuring the safety of Filipinos not only in Israel but also in neighboring countries that may be affected by the conflict. There is also a call to schedule repatriation flights for Filipinos who wish to return home.

Why was the Barangay and SK Elections postponed previously?

The Barangay and SK Elections were previously postponed due to concerns about the extension of terms without setting a clear end date. The Supreme Court ruled that the lack of a term for officials was unconstitutional.

How does the new bill address the issues raised by the Supreme Court regarding the Barangay and SK Elections?

The new bill addresses the issue by setting a term for the elected barangay and SK officials, unlike the previous law, which lacked a defined term. This is expected to resolve the concerns raised by the Supreme Court.

What is the expected outcome for the new law regarding the Barangay and SK Elections?

The new law is expected to be signed by the president unless unforeseen circumstances, such as a Supreme Court ruling, delay it. The bill is seen as compliant with the constitution due to the inclusion of set terms for officials.

What is the significance of the upcoming BARM elections?

The upcoming BARM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) elections are significant because they will be the first real elections in the region, allowing the people to elect accountable officials instead of having them appointed.

What is the importance of accountability in the BARM elections?

Accountability is crucial in the BARM elections because the elected officials will be responsible to the people who voted for them, ensuring that they serve the public interest and are not merely appointed by authorities.

What was the response to the potential unconstitutionality of the Barangay and SK Elections?

The presiding officer disagreed with the claim that the Barangay and SK Elections might be declared unconstitutional. They clarified that the new law complies with the Supreme Court's previous decision by setting terms for officials.

How confident is the presiding officer about the passing of the bill for the Barangay and SK Elections?

The presiding officer expressed confidence that the bill for the Barangay and SK Elections will become law, as it has been passed with minimal issues, and only external factors like a Supreme Court ruling could delay its implementation.