Drilon: SC lacks sense of urgency on Poe's case

MANILA, Philippines - Senate President Franklin Drilon on Wednesday expressed his disappointment over the slow pace of the Supreme Court in connection to the disqualification case against Sen. Grace Poe.

Drilon said in a statement that Poe's case is not ordinary and it will have an impact on the country's future.'

"I am not happy with the pace of trial in the Supreme Court. It appears that the high court lacks a sense of urgency," Drilon said.

The Senate president noted that holding oral arguments once a week is not giving Poe's case the urgency that it deserves.

He stressed that the high court has the authority to hold marathon hearings on cases with such magnitude and importance.

"I'm not dictating on the court, but it is very frustrating because we know for certain that the court could hasten the process by conducting marathon hearings but it has chosen not do so," Drilon said.

Drilon called on the high court to give Poe's case "extraordinary attention" so that it can be decided earlier as the May 9 elections draws near.

"The issue cannot be left hanging. The case is posing serious threats to fair and credible elections in May and only the Supreme Court's prompt action can eliminate that threat by resolving the case at the soonest," he said.

Drilon, a member of the Liberal Party, is seeking for re-election in the upcoming national elections.

The campaign period for the elections officially started on Tuesday and will end on May 7.

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