The perks of being a lawmaker in the country include traffic rule exemption, on offenses punishable by less than six years of imprisonment, and it’s practically enshrined in the Constitution, Senate leaders said Wednesday.
Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said his lower house counterpart, House Majority Leader Rodolfo need even have to seek a commitment from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to allowing such set-up.
Provided, however, that the one behind the wheel is the congressman or senator himself, Sotto said.
“Katulad ko, ako ang nagda-drive, sabi ko, hindi nyo akong pwedeng hulihin kasi on the way ako sa Congress. Bawal ‘yan, Article VI, Section 11 of the Constitution. Nasa Constitution ‘yun,” he stressed, adding that immunity from arrest is provided for “while Congress is in session.”
Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, who is a lawyer, seconded Sotto’s position, even rallying behind the suggestion of Farinas.
But Drilon hastened to point out that lawmakers can eventually be held arrested in holding them accountable for whatever serious traffic offenses that may have been committed.
“You can charge him afterwards you do cannot arrest him. What it simply says is you cannot be arrested, that you remain to be liable of course,” the minority leader, also former justice secretary said in explaining the said Constitutional provision.
Such “immunity privilege” cannot be used as a license to break some laws, even minor ones as any violator, including lawmakers, can be charged.
“But huwag naman, don’t arrest because it’s a minor offense naman,” Drilon said.
Sotto stressed that the “immunity” is not extended to the lawmaker’s driver.
“Kung ang driver (ng senator or congressman) ang nagda-drive, pwede mo hulihin,” Sotto said to which Drilon agreed.
“Pag hinuli yung driver, maglakad yung congressman,” Drilon quipped.
That likely be the case, Sotto said, if the concerned congressman do not happen to know how to drive.
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