Speaker of the 9th National Parliament, Theodore Zurenuoc even before introducing the business of the day raised concerns that the judiciary has encroached on the legislature by issuing court orders that directed the work of the Clerk of Parliament.
This he says, contravenes the doctrine of the separation of powers forcing the legislature to breach provisions of the Constitution, the Organic Law and the Parliamentary Standing Orders.
After saying the opening prayers, Parliament Speaker, Zurenuoc outlined the orders made by the court on July 12 for Parliament to be recalled and the Notice of a Motion of no-confidence is the only business of the day.
In his view, Zurenuoc says the court has taken over the powers of the Clerk of Parliament by ordering that the Notice of Motion be put on the Notice Paper without being formally introduced to the House in accordance with the Standing Orders.
He also thinks the Supreme Court orders July 12 were vague, ambiguous and open to all sorts of interpretation.
And he says this was confirmed when an ancillary court order was brought to his office at 11:30 am today further directing the office as to how the business should be conducted on the floor of Parliament today.
He adds this ancillary order, in his view was contrary to the Principles of Natural Justice enshrined in the Constitution.
“I would really want to take this matter to court right now and get this Parliament to resolve for us to take this matter for judicial review. However, I would rather exercise caution. And I would say we’ll do it after we’re dealt with the matter that is before us. I’m exercising a lot of precaution here and so for that reason, I will ask the Leader of Government Business to go ahead and complete the motion for the adjournment of Parliament,” said Zurenuoc.