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Some Senate leaders were surprised by a “first” in the way that Malacañang has certified a bill as urgent with specific conditions.
Senate Bill No. 1945 or a measure seeking to amend the Anti-Money Laundering Act was being addressed in the room when Senator Panfilo Lacson noted that certification comes with conditionality.
“It is the first time I have seen a certification with conditions and possible amendments. It is the first time. I have been a legislator since 1998,” said Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri.
Sen. Grace Poe, a sponsor of the bill that prevents the Philippines from being “gray-listed” by the Financial Action Task Force, said the Palace’s certification almost comes close to telling lawmakers what provisions to pass.
“I do not think that the democratic process will only approve this bill based on what is written in this certification,” he said.
“I am trying to be very diplomatic here, but I will always say this: that I will accept the amendments that I feel our colleagues have decided is what is fair and what is right, and what will be effective in this law,” she added.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said it was also the first time he had seen such a certification format, which he said violates the separation of powers between different branches of government.
“In fact, there are times when the executive department whispers its wishes about certain laws, but it is never written in black and white,” he told his colleagues.
“We will approve what the members of the Senate want to approve, as far as the second reading is concerned,” he added.
Lacson said the senators, “showing no sign of disrespect for Malacanang,” will simply do their job on solid legislation.
An emergency certification from the Palace allows lawmakers to circumvent the three-day rule to pass bills on second and third reading.
However, the one issued by the Executive Power for Senate Bill No. 1945 indicates in particular that it is subject to the following proposals, which were described as “absolutely essential”:
- Reduction of the threshold for tax crimes to P20 million
- Retention of the current filing threshold for tax succession transactions
- Granting of additional investigative powers requested from the Anti-Money Laundering Council
Said provisions were reflected in House Bill No. 7904, which was approved in the Lower House, the certification reads.
The bill is in the Senate amendment period at the time of writing. – News from BM, GMA
