Says she prefers to lead panels on local gov’t, social justice
(Eagle News)–Senator-elect Imee Marcos on Thursday, May 30, said she might decline the chairmanship of the ways and means committee if this was offered to her.
In an interview over ANC, Marcos said this was because “I think it’s not proper.”
“I don’t think I’m bagay actually. Although I’ve been talking about 12 percent VAT (value-added tax) and bringing it down to get prices down, hindi ako marunong masyado sa tax and I have a knee-jerk reaction (to) any increases (in) tobacco obviously..,” she said.
She said she instead had her eyes on two other committees.
One was the committee on local government led by Senator Sonny Angara, and the committee on social justice, welfare and rural development, led by Senator Leila de Lima.
Angara won reelection in the May 13 elections, while De Lima, while detained, will continue to serve as senator in the new Senate.
Earlier,Senate President Tito Sotto said there was a looming conflict between incumbent senators who are holding chairmanships and some incoming senators who wants to lead some panels.
Sotto said they would meet “probably” next week to address the issues involved.
He said he would explain to the incoming senators the Senate practice of the equity of the incumbent, which means it is up to the incumbent senator to decide whether to voluntarily give up a chairmanship.
Senator Panfilo Lacson has said he would give the chairmanship of the committee in public order and dangerous drugs to Senator-elect Ronald dela Rosa, also a former police chief.