Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, an international law expert, wants the House of Representatives to “exercise prudence” in the proposed plan to issue subpoeanas to World Bank executives in Manila, in connection with the disqualification of certain Filipino contractors.
According to newspaper reports, the public works committee of the House of Representatives warned that World Bank officials may face sanctions from the House if they fail to attend its hearing next week.
“Under international law, the House of Representatives has no power to compel the presence and testimony of the World Bank officials,” Santiago said.
Santiago cited the United Nations Convention on Privileges and Immunities of Specialized Agencies.
Under Article VI, Section 19 (a) of the Convention, officials of the World Bank are “immune from legal process in respect of words spoken or written and in all acts performed by them in their official capacity.”
Santiago explained that the only way the World Bank officials can testify before the House is if the World Bank waives their immunity, and directs them to testify before a congressional hearing.
Article VI, Section 22 of the same Convention provides:
“Privileges and immunities are granted to officials in the interests of the specialized agencies only and not for the personal benefit of the individuals themselves.. Each specialized agency shall have the right and duty to waive the immunity of any official in any case where, in its opinion, the immunity would impede the course of justice and can be waived without prejudice to the interests of the specialized agency.”
Popularity: 1% [?]
Are our congressmen, in all their numbers are so uneducated with international law having been law makers themselves?
Its a disgrace to our country that the WB knows better how to uproot/detect corruption better than ours.
This is a wake call to all our leaders.
This is a shame to our country and to this Government.
Our politicians ignorance is BOTTOMLESS!!!
Miriam Santiago for President?
Again, House probes are mere formality sake. Its obvious the House body that investigates are 1 sided both opposition and pro admin. Its just stupidity if you follow the house probes. Mon Tulfo’s column today are precisely correct.
The logic is:
Who propose pork barrel budgets and who approves it?
DPWH is under who?
Who hands down the pork barrel to projects?
Who receive the kickbucks of pork barrel?
Now do you they will investigate their own masterpiece?
The 3 Contractors are only at the ‘bottom of foodchain’.
So what are you going to expect from the House probes? Bullshit!!!
What makes me sick is they still have the guts to show to media that they are keen in investigating and questioning, but people are puking. Cursing them and their families to hell.
For what the WB will show up in the House Inquiry. They’re not stupid, they knew what will be the outcome. They knew from the start decades ago the corruption in Philippines. They probably just spill out a little bit beans because its too much the bear. Or I should say its becoming more rampant, and those behind it shows no more care and face.
This is the most corrupt government.
Here comes another palabas. Watch what is coming
soon…