House urges Senate not to question Cabinet officials invoking exec priv

House Assistant Majority Leader Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre urged the Senate not to question Cabinet officials who invoke executive privilege during investigations into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, led by Senator Imee Marcos, held its second inquiry with empty chairs as top officials skipped the hearing following Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin's invocation of executive privilege.

Acidre emphasized interparliamentary courtesy and noted that Cabinet officials have previously invoked executive privilege under former Presidents, including Duterte.

He said this practice is neither new nor controversial, having occurred during previous administrations.

Senate President Francis Escudero acknowledged that not attending hearings is a missed opportunity to explain but reiterated that executive privilege allows for skipping these sessions.

Acidre highlighted the House's own practice of respecting inter-parliamentary courtesy and urged the Senate to do the same in this case.

The inquiry centers on Duterte’s arrest and detention overseas, which has stirred debate over the scope and limits of executive privilege.