Do these "senate inquiries" brings us good more than harm?

just now, I heard from the news that delapaz (Russia Contingency Fund) was now summoned for a senate probe inquiry, I dont know, but I cant help feeling that this inquiry would end up just like the previous inquiries: poor and sarcastic circus act, a high end politicking venue of politicians.

I am aware that it is indeed in the senate power to conduct investigations (specifically the blue ribbon), but is it really constitutional? The law clearly states that the branches of govt (executive, legislative, judicial) have separate powers, and are independent of each other, and that the legislative's right to investigation's purpose is to aid the body in legislation. The senate cant convict anybody, thus merely exposing its subjects to double jeopardy: trial by publicity and later on by the court.

The senate's exact alibi for conducting these inquiries can easily be complied with by the media (public info dissemination), and by the judicial body (legal conclusion).

I'd say that these senate inquiries, are a waste of time, and a right 'abused' by some freeloading politicians. What do you think?

that they'd be serving their country best, doing what they are really supposed to do - as a legislative body, and performing legislative functions as vested to them by the constitution?

ideally, senate inquiries should provide some balance to the government... IDEALLY.

unfortunately, the Philippine senate inquiries are from from ideal. it's just used as a tool by scheming politicians who want to add to their "pogi points" and media mileage. in the end, nothing happens... NOTHING!

what happened to the dozens of senate inquiries they have done in the past? what real and beneficial results did it bring to the country and the Filipino people? the common Filipinos have yet to see the benefits of these inquiries.

I think the issue can be addressed best by the police hierarchy by issuing additional guidelines on health and contingency fund coverage on foreign travel. Their best models would be the foreign service who already have similar policies covering diplomats who go to foreign countries regularly. The senate should concentrate more on other urgent matters of national importance such as health, the budget, education and investments and many more.

constitutional or not, it's check and balance... sometimes our constitution is too restrictive, too sexist, passe and should be declared unconstitutional in itself. other than that it gives our politicians something to work on instead of just changing our street names -- only to be followed with it's old name tagged 'formerly know as'... let em inquire their brains out :o)

Neither Anne C. Give the issue 1 month or less and like any other scandal that the government had. It will be blown in the wind. Another issue will surface and bye bye "moscow generals".

They do it for a show. To lambaste each other, and dig up old issues that were long forgotten. And show to the Filipino people how they can get in and out of the situation without a sweat.

i believe that we should have a vote of confidence in the country.. if the people aren't trusting their politicians, they should step down..

especially in the house and senate, there's too many of them there doing nothing..

all of them should be held accountable to all citizens not just their constituents..

Waste of time and money. Senate is a Legislative body, they must pass laws not inquisition.

Wrong. This is a safeguard to prevent abuse of power and fraud.

all i can say about our government is 'I DONT TRUST THEM!'

It seems that the retired General needs his day in court, be it through the media, or the proper court in the land.

I have seen the interviews given by him, and he apologizes to the country for the embarrassment he seemed to have caused.

But that is not the object of your question.

The Senate hearings afford the country views of certain issues that may not be clarified on any other forum. The media may ask the same pertinent questions, but since it is neither charitable nor gifted with a sense of fair play, facts may be omitted in favor of sensationalism. The Senate is an institution handed down to us from the time of the Romans, and carries with it the dignity and nobility of laws and rules that has survived the ages.

For the benefit of the retired general, and our men in uniform, the Senate could perhaps either exonerate the subjects before the public view, or find them guilty of misconduct and thus guide the Sandiganbayan (Graft Court) to act accordingly.

The Senate may also direct the Executive Department to review relations with Russia, and explain why no diplomatic protest should be lodged for placing our citizens in a predicament, especially when they were there at the invitation of the Interpol.