‘No rift between executive and Congress over Iloilo Center probe’

Malacañang doesn't expect the working relationship of the executive and legislative branches to be affected with the ongoing investigation of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on the alleged overpricing of the P700-million Iloilo Convention Center.

Among those implicated in the alleged corruption are Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez and staunch administration ally Senate President Franklin Drilon.

 

“I don’t think there will be a rift, and there should be no rift between the Senate and the Executive branch We work very well together and we expect a good continued relationship with the Senate. Walang conflict, we respect the co-equal branch,” Lacierda told reporters in a chance interview.

 

“We’re bound to talk to each other, because of the legislative work that we do,” he added.

 

Lacierda denied that the probe on the alleged overpricing was damaging to the Aquino administration’s transparency platform.

 

“Isn’t that in support of transparency and accountability? Senate President Drilon in fact said he was open to the investigation. So why is there inconsistency on the transparency and accountability platform of the government?” he said. —NB, GMA News