IN HOT WATER
THE ethics complaint against former Speaker and Davao del Norte Representative Pantaleon Alvarez is declared sufficient in form and in substance.
For this reason, the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges will proceed with the investigation into the complaint filed by Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy.
The complaint accused Alvarez of disorderly bnehavior and conduct unbecoming of public official because of: libelous remarks against his fellow officials; habitual absences in the plenary session and other proceedings and seditious utterances and statements during the public rally un Davao City.
According to Uy, Alvarez committed “disorderly behavior and violations of the Code of Conduct of the House of Representatives” when he called for the withdrawal of support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines from the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In a press conference, Ako Bicol Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon, vice chairman of the committee, said a letter of notification was already sent to Alvarez urging him to file an answer to the complaint within 10 days from the receipt of the letter.
It can be recalled that Alvarez was heard, during a rally in Davao City, calling on AFP to withdraw their support to Marcos.
The panel is set to schedule a meeting next week to discuss and deliberate on the merit of the complaint.
“Again as mentioned, we had an initial consideration and when we speak of initial consideration and when we speak of initial consideration of the complaint, we are looking to the determination or whether the complaint is sufficient in form and content. And as found out by the committee, the complaint filed by Ray Uy is sufficient in form and content and that is why the committee decided to send a notice to the office of Congressman Alvarez for him to answer these allegations within 10 days from receipt. And upon update of the committee secretary, the notice was able to, has been sent to the office of Congressman Alvarez through registered mail last Friday, and also via electronic copy through the registered and official email address of Congressman Alvarez as well as his chief of staff. So right now, wala pa ho tayong natatanggap, ang commitee, na sagot,” Bongalon said.
The solon assured public that the committee will act on the complaint based on its merits and not on political alliances.
Alvarez is an ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte despite Vice President Sara Duterte is behind his ouster as Speaker of the House.
The media tried to get the side of Alvarez, but to no avail.
