The ruling Democratic Party is set to push for passage of a bill stripping the prosecution of its direct investigative powers during a plenary session on Thursday, despite expected opposition from the main opposition party.
The Democratic Party seeks to pass the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act during a plenary session scheduled for 2 p.m. If approved, the revision would strip the prosecution of its authority to conduct direct investigations, including supplementary investigations.
The party has been pushing ahead with prosecution reform legislation that calls for dismantling the prosecution and creating two new agencies, each tasked with handling investigations and indictments. Separately, it will also seek to pass a bill that would shorten the review period for fast-track bills from a maximum of 330 days to 90 days.
The main opposition People Power Party is expected to launch filibusters against both bills. Under the National Assembly Act, a filibuster can be stopped after 24 hours if at least 180 lawmakers vote to end it. With support from minor opposition parties and independents, the Democratic Party, which holds 161 seats, is expected to secure the votes needed.
On Wednesday a parliamentary committee referred the prosecution bill to a coordination panel, while another approved the fast-track measure.
