By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Stressing that there’s no politics behind the move of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges to acquire jurisdiction of the complaint filed against Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez, committee chairperson and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon has explained that the panel has to act on the complaint filed by Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy.
During the initial deliberation on Thursday (2 May 2024), Bongalon said the committee acquired jurisdiction of the complaint after concluding that it is sufficient in form and substance.
“Well, gusto ko lang po linawin that this complaint started because a case was filed against him. So, the Committee on Ethics has to act on the complaint filed,” Bongalon clarified.
“So, wala hong politika rito. Nagkataon po na inire-reklamo ang ating kasamahan sa Kongreso ngayon. And the committee has to act on it,” he quipped.
Alvarez was accused of “continued and unjustified absences” in the committee meetings and plenary session of the House; of making “libelous remarks” against co-government officials like the Vice Governor of Davao del Norte and other local officials in the area.
The former Speaker was also charged of making seditious remarks during a rally last month when he called on the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to withdraw their support from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
(el Amigo/MNM)
