A PETITION that questions the banning of government officials from attending hearings called by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is now being readied, according to Senate Minority Floor Leader Senator Franklin Drilon.
The Senate petition questions the legality of the order of President Rodrigo Duterte that bans members of the Cabinet and others in the Executive Department from attending the investigation of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee regarding the government’s alleged anomalous purchase of pandemic supplies.
Once ready, the petition will be filed with the Supreme Court.
Drilon said the senators have already met about this and it was agreed upon to question the legality of said order.
He said this will be the same as when the Senate questioned Executive Order No. 464 issued by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, at a time when Drilon was Senate President.
In the order, Cabinet members and all those in the Executive Department should seek permission first from President Duterte before they can attend Senate hearings.
In a Supreme Court ruling in 2006, it said the Senate can compel members of the Cabinet, police and military officials to face Senate hearings that are conducted “in aid of legislation.”