Malacañang calls on Senate anew to pass vital laws

Malacañang expressed hopes senators will soon act on vital pieces of legislation.

Presidential Political Adviser Gabriel Claudio said the never-ending rift between the opposition-dominated Senate and Malacañang was one of the reasons why the Arroyo administration is pushing for amending the Constitution to end the political gridlock between the legislative and executive branches of the government.

"It’s the system (of government) itself that gives rise to situations like this," Claudio said.

Claudio said the executive department is still trying to exert effort to convince the Senate to take up the urgent legislation even in the apparent stiff opposition taken by the senators against some of Malacañang’s urgent proposals.

"But despite the situation, we are trying our best to still coordinate with the Senate so that some of the priority bills will be tackled and passed," Claudio said.

"I am confident that there is enough sincerity, there is enough determination on the part of at least some members of the Senate to pass very important measures such as the anti-terror law... these are very important bills," he said.

Despite the limitations and difficulties of the current political system that made President Arroyo push for Charter change, "we try to make the best out of the situation," he said.

Claudio noted the House of Representatives had done its part and passed most of the priority bills but these would have to await action from the Senate.

"One of the reasons why everybody is anxious to put final decision to the issue of impeachment (against Mrs. Arroyo) is because we want Congress to move on to more important items in their agenda," Claudio said. — Aurea Calica