THE HOUSE HORROR SHOW ILLUSTRATES WHY FEDERALISM IS A BAD IDEAThe Society of Honor
November 28, 2016
The House in aid of legislation.. [Photo source: Inquirer]
By Joe America
Did you catch that strange House hearing in aid of legislation last week? The objective of the hearings was to examine the drug problem in New Bilibid Prison. Unfortunately, legislation and Bilibid were set aside to pursue a public shaming of Senator De Lima.
The House reps stunned most of the Senate, a lot of House members, and a whole lot of citizens, too. It was a disrespectful, offensive, low-blow kangaroo court that began when the House Speaker declared Senator De Lima a “serial liar†during a television interview, and ended with the issuance of a “show cause order†holding her in contempt for “obstructing justiceâ€.
Can you imagine a judge going on TV before trial to claim that the defendant in his court is a liar? He would not. Professional integrity does not permit it. People being judged are granted rights and assured of fair treatment. A deep Christian compassion underpins these ethical boundaries. So does the Philippine Constitution:
ARTICLE IV, SECTION 21. The Senate or the House of Representatives or any of its respective committees may conduct inquiries in aid of legislation in accordance with its duly published rules of procedure. The rights of persons appearing in or affected by such inquiries shall be respected.Linkback:
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