Chamber approves in 1st round PEC that reinforces parliamentary immunity

The House of Representatives approved on Tuesday (16), in the first round, the proposal of constitutional amendment known as the Armage PEC. The measure expands the judicial protections of deputies and senators, allowing court decisions against parliamentarians, such as prisons, to be submitted to the assessment of the congress in secret vote.

The score was 353 favorable votes and 134 opposites, above the minimum of 308 required.

The proposal was postponed for lack of consensus, but returned to the agenda under the command of the current president of the House, Hugo Motta (Republicans-PB), who defended the text as a resumption of the guarantees provided for in the 1988 Constitution.

According to the amendment, only the Federal Supreme Court may determine precautionary measures against parliamentarians.

In addition, any criminal proceedings will depend on prior authorization from the House or Senate, in a decision taken by an absolute majority and secret vote.

In the case of arrest in the act for serious crimes, it will be up to the Legislature to decide, within 24 hours, whether or not the detention maintains.

Another point included in PEC is the expansion of the privileged forum, which would also cover presidents of parties with representation in Congress. These leaders, as well as parliamentarians and other high -ranking authorities, would be tried directly by the Supreme Court.

For the rapporteur, Deputy Claudio Cajado (PP-BA), the measure ensures that mandates are exercised without risk of political persecution.

Upon approval of the base text, deputies still need to analyze highlights that can modify excerpts of the proposal. Then the text will be subjected to a second round of voting.

If approved again, you will go to the Senate, where you will need the endorsement of the qualified majority to be incorporated into the Constitution.