Lawmaker seeks clarity on amnesty proclamation

MANILA -- While former senator Rodolfo Biazon supports the amnesty of rebel soldiers, he said there should be some sort of clarification in the effectivity of the proclamation by President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

Biazon, now congressman of Muntinlupa's lone district, pointed out that detained Senator Antonio Trillanes IV will not be able to participate in the proceedings in the Senate immediately because it would need the court's approval.

“Senator Trillanes may participate in the proceedings in the Senate only when the courts allow him or releases him to participate in the Senate until the concurrent resolution is promulgated. Maybe that impression was caused by the effectivity clause of proclamation,” the former chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines stressed.

Aquino's proclamation indicates that it shall take effect immediately upon its signing. It failed to note that it will only be effective after Congress, voting in majority, concurs with the proclamation.

Biazon also clarified that the resolution filed at the House of Representatives will still be referred to the proper committee before a concurrent resolution from Congress will be crafted and approved for a vote.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said the amnesty proclamation will be prioritized over other issues pending before the justice committee, which includes the impeachment raps filed against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)