SOLON VS VLOGGER
HOUSE Assistant Majority Leader Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong has fired back at social media personality Sass Rogando Sasot, who dismissed the House of Representatives as “very corrupt” after being cited in contempt by the chamber’s Tri-Committee investigating fake news and digital disinformation.
Sasot was among those cited in contempt for ignoring summons from the joint House panel.
Responding to Sasot’s remark, Adiong questioned her credibility and principles.
“Una sa lahat, may honor pa ba siya?” Adiong said referring to Sasot.
“I mean these are people who portray themselves as heroes but do not have the honor to face a legitimate investigation and to face the public and explain themselves under oath kung bakit may mga sinasabi silang hindi tama at hindi totoo,” Adiong added.
According to the lawmaker said those who truly value honor should show up, explain themselves, and participate in public deliberations instead of resorting to attacks online.
“So I think being honorable is to not only being brave online but brave enough to face the charges and under oath express your sentiments,” Adiong said.
The House Tri-Comm had earlier cited in contempt Sasot, along with pro-Duterte personalities Mark Lopez, Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, and Lorraine Badoy, for repeatedly refusing to attend the hearings despite official summonses and subpoenas.
The panel has since ordered their detention for defying the authority of Congress and violating internal House rules.
Adiong pointed out that other vloggers invited to the Tri-Comm hearing had shown up and participated constructively.
“And by the way, I thank those vloggers who have participated in our committee hearings. I take these people as courageous enough to explain themselves and take the chance and to take the opportunity granted to them,” he said.
“Kasi binibigyan naman sila ng invitation and due process para explain sa deliberation sa committee kung anong pwede nilang maibigay at input na may dagdag sa pag-formulate at pag-draft natin ng isang batas,” he added.
Adiong said those who chose to appear demonstrated sincerity and a willingness to contribute to democratic processes.
