We submit that it is unconstitutional for the President to give a "constitutionally independent body", such as the Comelec, multi-million "intelligence funds", not only because it is conducive to graft and corruption and is seen as an act of "political patronage" but more importantly because it will ultimately destroy the independence of such a body by placing it under the enticements of the "intelligence pork barrel" of Malacanang, like a boy begging and craving for a piece of candy from his older peer. Comelec chair Brillantes has exposed his lack of moral and ethical principles and his disrespect for the spirit of the Constitution by accepting intelligence funds from the President. If Comelec needs such a fund, why not simply include it in its proposed annual budget for routine scrutiny and approval, in due course, by the House and the Senate? We are bothered by this issue as members of the Bar.
Laserna Cueva-Mercader Law Offices
Las Pinas City, Philippines
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