The President of the Philippines, in public, threatened to end the vfa in one month if the visa for Dela Rosa is not reinstated. As far as I can tell, the visa was for personal use and therefore has no connection with the senator’s official function. I heard over the radio that the visa was originally given to allow dela rosa to watch paquiao in las vegas. Is the president using his power/ office and therefore, undue influence, for the private benefit of an ally, a friend? Does this fall within article Xl of the Philippine constitution?
if official, it should have been an "A" visa.
From
https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/diplomats-international-organization-nato-employees/:
"Government officials traveling to the United States to perform non-governmental functions of a commercial nature or traveling as tourists require the appropriate H, L or B visa, or if qualified, travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program; they do not qualify for diplomatic or official visas."
ARTICLE XI
ACCOUNTABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS
Section 2. The President, the Vice-President, the Members of the Supreme Court, the Members of the Constitutional Commissions, and the Ombudsman may be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust. All other public officers and employees may be removed from office as provided by law, but not by impeachment.
(please note impeachment is political in nature and i am neutral on this matter. my interest is solely on the legal interpretation)