Hontiveros' Stance Against DOJ Aguirre Fires Back At Her

Yesterday, Senator Risa Hontiveros called out Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre to resign for supposedly "plotting" to file a case against her.

According to her, Aguirre should resign in violation of the Republic act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and undermining the justice system.

During her privilege speech, Hontiveros presented a digital photo of Aguirre sending a text message during the hearing on the killing of Kian Delos Santos as evidence.

Hontiveros said that when they enlarged the photo. Aguirre was texting a certain "Cong. Jing" who said:

"Naturuan na ni Hontiveros ang testigo. Her questions are leading questions."

To which Aguirre replied:

"Yon nga sinasabi ko dito. Very obvious. Kaya nga expedite natin ang cases niyo vs her."

Hontiveros asked,

"Mr. President, is the DOJ Secretary plotting a case against a sitting senator while Senate proceeding is going on, right inside the Senate session hall?"

"Habang tayo ay naghi-hearing para makamit natin ang katarungan para sa isang 17-year-old na pinatay ng pulis ng nakadapa sa lupa, mukhang ang pinagkakaabalahan ng ating Justice secretary ay pano makaganti sa kanyang kalaban."

In a somewhat comedic turn of events, however, Trixie Cruz-Angeles called out Senator Hontiveros about the evidence that she presented. According to Angeles, the senator violated the anti-wiretapping law.

Dear Sen. Risa:
Isn't this a violation of Republic Act 4200 otherwise known as the anti wiretapping law?
It penalizes any person who records a private communication without the consent of both parties. It also penalizes any person who possesses such a recording or uses the same.
It's punishable by six months to six years in prison.
And the recording is inadmissible as evidence in any proceeding. So your proposal to sue The DOJ Secretary might not be supported by evidence.
Do think about it.

What are your thoughts on this? Share in the comments below.


Source: Trixie Cruz Angeles