As if causing the removal of the Chief Justice through an irregular quo warranto petition is not enough arrogation of power by Solicitor General Jose Calida, the House of Representatives still gifted him with more extensive and expanded powers by approving on final reading yesterday House Bill No. 7376.

This bill in entitled “An Act Further Strengthening the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) by Increasing its Powers and Functions, and Redefining, Expanding, and Rationalizing its Organization, Repealing for the Purpose Republic Act No. 9417, Republic Act No. 2327, and Executive Order Nos. 1 and 2, s. 1986, and Appropriating Funds Therefor”.

Under the bill, which was approved by 162 to 10 votes, the Solicitor General will exercise jurisdiction over the destiny of the remaining Marcos ill-gotten wealth by abolishing the Philippine Commission on Good Government (PCGG) and conferring its powers to the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).

Calida is a known Marcos ally like President Duterte.

The PCGG was created under Executive Order No. 1 dated February 28, 1986 issued by the late President Corazon Aquino for the recovery of hidden hoards of the Marcos family and its cohorts.

The bill also collapsed the Office of the Government Corporate Council (OGCC) and transferred its functions to the OSG.

Rep. Edcel C. Lagman, leader of the “Magnificent Seven” opposition group, was among the few who rejected H.B. No. 7376.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN