25pimentel2.jpg — Newly-elected Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III uses the gavel in adjourning the opening session of the Senate under the 17th Congress on Monday morning (July 25, 2016) at the Plenary Hall of the Senate Building in Pasay City. The senators are set to proceed to the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City to join their colleagues at the House of Representatives in hearing the first State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo R. Duterte at 4 p.m. Monday. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Monday vowed to support the all-out war against crime, drugs and corruption, while also strengthening the rule of law and justice system.
In his acceptance speech as Senate president, Pimentel outlined the 11-point “Program of Government for Change” that majority of the senators agreed upon. Senators voted 20-3 in favor of Pimentel.
“The all-out war against crime drugs and corruption, we support, for as long as it is conducted in accordance with law, punishments are imposed in accordance with law, and then the objective must be achieved,” Pimentel said in a press briefing after the opening of the 17th Congress.
Pimentel stressed the need implement orders in accordance with the law.
“I hope you also notice that we will also strengthen the rule of law and make our justice system work. When your legislators, when your elected officials say something, it must be in accordance with law,” the new Senate president said.
Other programs cited by Pimentel include adoption of a federal system of government; call for sustainable and inclusive economic growth; and delivery of quality education and health care.
He added that the Senate probe on extrajudicial killings would depend on the chairman for the committee where the specific resolution would be deferred.
The list of the committee on chairmanships will be finished not later than Wednesday, Pimentel said. (MNS)