Escudero suggests regular consultations with OSG in crafting laws

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) will always be consulted for legal advice when laws are crafted, Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero said last week during the OSG's anniversary event.

“Kung mamarapatin ninyo palagi namin kayong iimbitahan para hingan ng ligal na payo kaugnay sa mga pinag-uusapan na mga panukalang batas,” Escudero said during the 123rd founding anniversary of the OSG, at which he was keynote speaker.

(If you would allow, we will always invite you to ask for legal advice with the proposed measures we are working on.)

Escudero said that with the OSG's advice, questions on the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress may be avoided.

He also proposed that the OSG file cases to gain recognition of foreign judgments or arbitral rulings in favor of the Philippines so that the arbitral ruling cannot be changed.

“Magbibigay ito ng limitasyon sa kapangyarihan [ng Pangulo] kung ano ang pwede at hindi pwedeng gawin,” Escudero said.

(This limits the power of the president on what can and cannot be done.)

Escudero also said the scope of OSG should include dispute settlement between government agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations, to avoid costly and time-consuming legal proceedings.

Executive Order No. 292 states that the OSG’s role is to represent the Philippine government in any litigation, proceeding, and investigation. — Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News