Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Counsel for Senate minority bloc


I have just been designated counsel for Senators belonging to the minority bloc in their attempt to convince the Surpeme Court to allow jailed Senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV to perform his duties as a duly elected member of the Senate.
Senate minority leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. told me I will act as counsel for the minority bloc as they intervene in the pending petition before the Supreme Court filed by Senator Trillanes (SC G.R. 179817).
The intervenors belonging to the minority bloc are Senatos Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr., Benigno S. Aquino III, Rodolfo G. Biazon, Panfilo Lacson, Loren B. Legarda, Jamby Madrigal and Manuel A. Roxas II.
Last August 20, I filed the senators' motion to intervene.
It must be noted that the Supreme Court had already denied Senator Trillanes' bid to be allowed to perform his duties in a decision last June 27, 2008.
A reconsideration is being sought by Trillanes.
The arguement is that the continued denial of Trillanes to perform his senatorial duties infringes on the doctrine of separation of powers.
Also, it is argued disallowing Senator Trillanes to take his seat in the Senate can already been seen as a de facto punishment upon a senator,which constituttional power to punish exclusively rests in the hands of the Senate.The Manila Bulletin and the Philippine Daily Tribune published articles ont his.

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