The bicameral Conference Committee on the differing provisions of the House and Senate versions on the General Appropriations Bill (House Bill No. 2454) has decided to work during the Christmas break to finalize the forging of a reconciled bill.
The bicameral report on the 2008 annual appropriations is expected to be ratified on 28 January 2008 when Congress resumes its sessions.
The Committee on Appropriations shall assess and review the President’s budget proposal for FY 2008 on the basis of the congressional primacy in the appropriation of public funds as mandated by the Constitution.
We adhere to the maxim that with respect to the annual budget, “the President proposes, while Congress disposes.”
While we respect the President’s initiative on budget allocations and ceilings, it must be understood that even the “best budget” proposal is far from sacrosanct and impregnable.
Elected officials as well as officers of the military establishment are sworn to protect the Constitution, uphold the rule of law and respect the supremacy of duly constituted civilian authority.
The improvident and recidivist adventurism of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and Gen. Danilo Lim and their armed complement in forcibly seizing the Manila Peninsula Hotel to launch their concerted action to cause the fall of the government verily constitutes a violation of their oaths and transgression of penal laws.
This calls for immediate sanctions, arrest and prosecution of the errant parties.
I exhort our people to fully support the government and completely deny any assistance to the transgressors.
The resignation of embattled Comelec Commissioner Benjamin Abalos sets a welcome precedent for public officials who are embroiled in serious controversies to voluntarily terminate their incumbency in deference to public interest.
Resignation is neither an admission of culpability nor an excuse for impunity.
Abalos’ resignation liberates the House of Representatives from another time consuming and contentious impeachment proceedings which may end up as an exercise in futility because of his impending retirement in February 2008.
The conviction of former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada of plunder upholds the guiding principles of a democratic system on the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and accountability of public officials.
It doubtless shows that no man is above the law, not even its highest and most powerful implementor. It is a recognition of the reality that the victims of plunder are the people – the intended beneficiaries who are deprived of adequate social services from which were diverted the resources plundered.
