Senate ready to answer queries on Maharlika Investment Fund Act - Zubiri

Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri said that the Senate is ready to answer any questions and issues concerning the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) Act of 2023 under Republic Act No. 11954.

"I have already instructed the Senate Secretary to coordinate with the Office of the Solicitor General with regard to the preparation and filing of the comment," Zubiri said Tuesday night.

The Supreme Court (SC), during its full court session, asked both the Executive and Legislative branches of government to comment on the petition that seeks to declare unconstitutional the MIF Act in 10 days. The Senate was also asked to comment on the plea for a temporary restraining order (TRO). 

The petition was by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, former congressman and Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Javier Colmenares, and former Bayan Muna congressmen Carlos Isagani Zarate and Ferdinand Gaite.

Zubiri said that they welcome the SC’s order for the Executive and the Legislative to file their Comment on the petition. since it's part of the judicial process.

"I stand by my assertion that the Maharlika Investment Fund Act went through the proper legislative process, and will therefore withstand judicial scrutiny and be upheld as constitutional," he added.

The Senate president also mentioned that they respect any move to bring the MIF Act to the SC, and we assure everyone that the Senate will actively take part in the court proceedings, including filing the necessary responsive pleading.
 
"Ultimately, this is for the Supreme Court to decide, and we will respect the outcome, whatever it may be," he added.