In a recent visit to the Senate of the Philippines, NVCian faculty and students were given the opportunity to receive answers from nagging questions direct from the horse's mouth.
John Michael S. Recto (BSCrim-III) probed on Sen. Gringo Honasan's participation in crafting R.A. 9372 (Human Security Act of 2009). The senator said that he supported the passage of the said law. According to him, he recognizes the importance of the law against terrorist attacks.
Meantime, Prof. Arnilla further inquired on the possibility of having the said law ammended considering the weak provisions concerning the detection, prevention, and prosecution of crimes involving terrorism. Sen. Honasan, who is a member the Oversight Committee on the implementation of the law, claimed that there are already moves to amend the law. Nevertheless, he said that the the importance of protecting human rights will never be compromised in any amendments.
Recto also pressed on the issue of election.He asked the senator his moves to secure the sanctity of the election results.
In his reply, sen. Honasan appealed to everyone to be vigilant during the entire process. Since May 2010 Election will be the fist of its kind in the country, he advised everyone to be watchful to avoid being robbed of the true mandate from the people.
Earlier on the interactive talk, Eduardo C. Garvida, Bureau Director, explained the mandate and structure of the Senate He diminished fears that Senate will be abolished if the 1987 Constitution is ammended. Other countries, Garvida explained, maintain a bicameral legislature But it will all depend on the whims of Con-con delegates.
Prof. Arnilla raised three questions. He inquired on the status of the election protest filed by Atty.Coco Pimentel against Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri. He also asked of any bills amending R.A. 6506 (Criminology Law) and the last wast bills regulating developments in Boracay Island.
Inhis response, Dir. Garvida said the protest is still with the Senate Electoral Tribunal. on the second point, he promised to scan into the pending bills concerning the Criminology profession. However, the director expressed skepticism on the issue considering that the 14th Congress will soon adjourn. On the third point, Dir.Garvida noted that majority of senators have prioritized the protection of all tourist destinations in the country and that includes Boracay Island.
The interactive talk ended when the plenary session started.
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