Transcript of Ambush Interview of Senate President Franklin M. Drilon

Q: On the SC authority to augment its budget

SPFMD: I asked those questions in compliance with the Supreme Court resolution itself which basically said - and quoting the Constitution - that you can only realign savings to augments items in the budget. Therefore, when there is no item in the budget, you cannot use that authority to realign because there is no item that you can augment. That is why I'm asking all those sort of questions.

Q: Na-clarify naman Sir when they said they will submit the specific items?

SPFMD: Yes, that is why I will recommend that we put back in the General Appropriations Act these specifics halls of justice that will be built. Kapag kinulang, they can augment from their savings, rather than putting a one-item hall of justice.

Q: On the absence of the court administrator in the budget hearing

SPFMD: As a matter of courtesy, the court administrator should appear before the Senate committee and defend their budget. That has been the tradition before. In the later years, hindi na humaharap ang court administrator. This is our only time when can ask questions from the court. As a matter of respect and courtesy, the court administrator should appear in the budget hearing.

Q: Ma-approve ba yung budget ng SC?

SPFMD: Yes, we will recommend the approval of the budget. I'm just expressing on the record our disappointment. We hope in the coming years, they will be able to attend.

Q: Deliberate ba?

SPFMD: I do not know. Apparently, he has no other appointment, but he has chosen not to honor us with his presence.

Q: Do you have questions to ask before the court administrator?

SPFMD: The fact is we are entitled to that courtesy, because this is the time we hold them to account for the appropriation of people's budget.