Transcript of interview with Liberal Party President Sen. Franklin M. Drilon

Q: On the attempted arrest of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada

SFMD: Under Section 11 Article 6: A senator or a member of the House of Representatives shall in all offenses punishable by not more than six years imprisonment shall be privileged from arrest while Congress is in session.

Q: What does this mean?

SFMD: Congress is in session today so Senator Estrada enjoys immunity from arrest. To me, clearly this is political harassment. Because he is privileged from arrest while Congress is in session. The crime of libel has less than six years as a penalty, assuming that you are guilty.

Q: Political harassment?

SFMD: At the very least, stupid. It's unconstitutional. The attempt to arrest is contrary to the Constitution.

Q: How will it affect the already strained relationship between the Senate and Malacañang ?

SFMD: It will worsen.

Q: Ilang senador na ba ang naaresto?

SFMD: Wala pa.

Q: Iyong kay JPE?

SFMD: The penalty imposed is more than six years. Ako ang Secretary noon. That is the distinction.

Q: Kapag break puwede na?

SFMD: Whole year naman ang session namin. We reset the calendar. We are not in session when we adjourn.

Q: On the judge who issued the warrant

SFMD: The judge is ignorant of the Constitution by issuing the warrant of arrest. (end)