Press Release
September 30, 2009

Transcript of Interview with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile

On road user's tax...

SP: We have to address the problems of these people. The amount is determined on the basis of the borrowing capacity of the government. Also in anticipation of the other typhoons that may come and inflict injuries to other people.

Q: Sir, will it replace yung proposals ni Senator Santiago na may Php10 billion daw for this?

SP: It is probably a part or an offshoot ng lahat ng proposals.

Q: Sir, can it be sourced from road user's tax?

SP: No, because that money is for a specific purpose. Some of it will be used for repairs and maintenance of the roads and bridges destroyed. It's the real purpose of road user's tax. But that's a trust fund already allocated for a special purpose.

Q: Sir, yung joint resolution, would that be specific sa mechanism kung paano gagamitin yung pondo?

SP: Yes, it will spell out on how to use it.

Q: Sir, mag a-attend po kayo ng hearing ng Commission on Appointments?

SP: Mamaya meron kasama ang mga military.

Q: Sir, kailangan ninyo ba ng certification from the President para sa joint resolution?

SP: Siguro hindi dahil joint resolution yan.

Q: Meron kasing position ang House of Representatives contingent to reject yung appointments nila Secretary Reyes and Secretary Lito Atienza. Sa Senate ba meron din ganoon?

SP: Ang next batch ng hearing namin ay ang mga Constitutional Officers and Foreign Affairs.

Q: Ano po mangyayari sa appointment ni Secretary Reyes?

SP: Ewan ko. Meron mga committee na humahawak diyan. They will be dealing with these nominees.

Q: Sabi kasi ng House contingent, they will reject the appointments of these two Cabinet members.

SP: Paguusapan naming iyan kapag dumating na ang mga reports sa akin.

Q: So, does the Senate contingent vow to follow the House's recommendation for these Cabinet members?

SP: We cannot ignore the House contingent. We have to hear them. In this world, it's a matter of give and take.

Q: Sir, will it depend kung talagang solid yung mga grounds?

SP: I never poll the senators. I leave them to express their minds and make their decisions.

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