Transcript of ambush interview of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile

Office of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile

Q: Sir, regarding the issue that President Arroyo is the better president. What made you say that?

SP: I did not say that she is the better president. But I said she did better than that of many other presidents. And if you read the story of Marichu Villanueva, the body of the story , I was talking about her achievements. Now the word better is a comparative word to determine so many things, but I was zeroing on what she has achieved compared to others.

Q: Any comment po doon sa mga nagbabalak na mag walk-out kapag nabanggit sa SONA 'yung constitutional changes.

SP: Hindi na nila kailangan mag- walk-out. Ako mismo, I will bang the gavel and finish the session. What is the purpose of walking out? Just to be noticed? I know my job as a Senate President in that situation. There's no room for them to walk-out. Just walk quietly and assuredly because I will adjourn the Senate session, and that will be the end of the Joint Session.

Q: Meron din po yatang lumabas na memorandum circular ang NTC ordering po the three TELCOS...

SP: Hindi lang isa, kundi marami. The TELCOS will now start revising their charging per minute and become per pulses. And the expiry date of their prepaid loads will now lengthen considerably, and I think the disappearing loads will also disappear.

Q: What are your thoughts about all these new memos?

SP: I am happy, because at least, they have something for the people without having to pass a law, nonetheless.

Q: Sir, going back to Avelino Cruz' statement, do you think this will send wrong signal to the military men as if calling for mutiny?

SP: Well, I would like to find out what he means by unlawful order. To say that you require the soldiery and the police force to evaluate the order of a superior is a very dangerous doctrine. Why? The military operates by command.

Q: Sir, update lang po sa Senator Manny Villar's probe tungkol sa C5, kailan po i- re-open yung case?

SP: I don't know kung kailan namin ire-resume 'yun. I think it's being re-scheduled next week.

Q: Sir, 25 daw na mga witnesses ang ipapatawag?

SP: Well, one or two or even one thousand doesn't matter.

Q: Would you know kung bakit medyo silent si Senator Madrigal? Senator Jamby Madrigal has not been seen often and has not been saying anything about the issue.

SP: I think she went to India to study the condition there.

Q: In case there's a Joseph Estrada presidency, what will be your role?

SP: I don't know whether he will give me a role. If I will run again and I get re-elected, I will play my role as a Senator. Now if they will ask me for advice and I know the answer, or I can give an advice at all, I will help the government in place for the people and not for myself.

Q: You don't see yourself as the executive secretary?

SP: Me? Why should I go there? I've been in the executive department already and I enjoy being in the Senate. Why, you don't want me here anymore?

Q: Sir, about the TELCOS, meron po bang update kung ano ang mga susunod na memos na ilalabas nila?

SP: Spamming. Wala na iyon. Hindi na pwede yung ginagawa that they send message to people without their consent. It must be the other way around. The mobile cellphone holders will now actively ask for enrollment in the program or in availing the services being offered.

Q: Sir, di ba pag nakakatanggap naman may option whether to block, send the block message?

SP: Alam mo iyon, kapag i-opt -in is very difficult to opt-out. We have to make it easier to people to opt-out.