MANILA, Philippines - Instead of issuing a stay order, the Supreme Court has decided to hear on oral arguments the pros and cons of the Truth Commission.

In a press conference, Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez said a petition on the constitutionality of the Aquino administration’s first executive order will be the subject of oral arguments on Tuesday, August 31.

Minority lawmakers last August 12 asked the Supreme Court to quash the executive fiat that would be investigating the faults of the past administration, saying it is redundant, discriminatory and unconstitutional.

In a 55-page petition, the lawmakers sought a stay order from the SC against Executive Order 1 that created the so-called Truth Commission.

The commission, tasked to investigate the anomalies during the 9-year term of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, was created with too much power that it has already stepped on the rights of constitutionally-created bodies, they said.

Ironically, they noted “no life has been breathed to the ‘Truth Commission’ because the President of the Republic is powerless to give life to such public office.”

The petitioners are Representatives Edcel C. Lagman, Rodolfo B. Albano, Jr., Simeon A. Datumanong and Orlando B. Fua, Sr.

Named as respondents are Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. and Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad.

Marquez, also the SC spokesman, said the high court issued an order giving the respondents 10 days within which to comment on the petition. - with a report from Ina Reformina, ABS-CBN News