Credits

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Black-eyed PI

The Supreme Court with the same vote of 8-7, junked with finality, the motion for reconsideration filed by Singaw ng Bayad and the Solicitor General's Office on the dismissal of the People's Initiative. The SC however pointed out that Republic Act no. 6735 is sufficient enough to "AMEND" a specific provision of the constitution through a people's initiative.

Citing that there were no new arguments that were presented, the SC did not see any merit in the motion. SC spokesperson Atty. Ismael Khan however clarified that Singaw cannot use RA 6735 to "REVISE" the entire constitution as the people's initiative can only be used for "a" specific subject. The SC also junked the petition of Sulongbayan Movement Foundation for Chief Justice Panagniban and Justice Carpio to inhibit themselves from ruling on the motion. The SC unanimously found their petition utterly lacking in merit.

The SnB/ULAP PI was first shot down by the Commission on Elections due to the lack of an enabling law. On Oct. 25, the SC dismissed their petition citing it as a "GRAND DECEPTION and GIGANTIC FRAUD". Yesterday, the SC finally gave the knock-out punch that finally floored the PI. After millions have been wasted for this PI, SnB has not given up and vowed that the clarification on RA6735 gives them more reason to give it another go. Either the PI's proponents did not understand the ruling or perhaps, they found their kickbacks too small.

These people should put it to rest. The court gave a clear explanation of what a people's initiative can do and cannot do. With the PI dead and buried, the fight now shifts to the "stinking holes" of congress. Will the Con-Ass suffer the same fate or would its proponents in the lower house push its luck to the hilt? We will all find out soon if the house still has its numbers, with Lakas and Kampi at each others throats, they can both knock themselves out of the game in no time. That will will be a sight to see. They could both go down kicking each others balls!

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