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Sotto: TRO can’t stop prexy, veep proclamations

May 21, 2022 Marlon Purification 310 views

EVEN a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court (SC) cannot “stop” Congress from performing its duty to canvass and proclaim the next President and Vice President of the Philippines.

This is according to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, as he stressed that they are mandated to canvass and proclaim the next leaders of the country before the term of the present administration ends by June 30.

“It is our constitutional duty. Sinasabi ko nga ito sa mga nagre-request ng TRO. A TRO cannot amend the constitution. Kami nga hindi namin ma-amend ang constitution, TRO pa. We have to perform our duty,” Sotto said.

Sotto stressed anew that the joint session of the two houses of Congress will convene as the Presidential Board of Canvassers on May 24 and will proclaim the winning President and Vice President by May 27.

“Oo kung saka-sakali man, maglabas ng TRO, itutuloy ko pa rin, mas mataas ang constitution sa TRO. Ano gagawin ng Supreme Court? Sino uutusan nila para arestuhin o pigilan kami, may armed forces ba sila?” Sotto explained.

Meanwhile, the Senate President confirmed that they will submit their comment on the petitions on Monday, asking the SC to issue TRO against the canvassing and proclamation. By Marlon Purificacion