Friday, March 28, 2008 Seares: Executive privilege, Jonas style By Pachico A. Seares News Sense
WHEN you talk of executive privilege, you think of the President withholding from Congress, the courts, and the public any information deemed "vital to the national interest."
It's big, provided by the Constitution no less. President Arroyo has used it to deter prying by the Senate into alleged serial scandals.
When you talk of executive privilege, you don't think of a city mayor using it to foil snooping by the City Council.
After all, executive privilege is granted only to the President, isn't it?
If it's given expressly to the President, is it also given, impliedly or by extension, to local chiefs?
Dark, not just gray area. Not to Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes though. He thinks that like Gloria he can also invoke executive privilege.
Clashes
An EO dated March 18 requires his approval before any official under him can appear before the City Council.
That order flies in the face of an ordinance, which binds the mayor too, empowering the council to gather information from department heads.
And, impliedly or by extension, doesn't the City Council have the power to investigate in aid of legislation?
Executive privilege by petty mayors. Legislative power of inquiry by small-time councils. Local versions aping Arroyo clashes with the Senate.
What distressing prospect for residents who'll watch not only national battles but also local wars waged by officials using the same devices and schemes that leaders at the capital use.
What next? Town mayors or barangay captains crossing swords with their legislatures. Mini political crises duplicated right in your city, town, or barangay.
