MANILA, Philippines — Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua has encouraged the public to bring any grievances to the appropriate institutional channels if they believe members of the House of Representatives have committed irregularities concerning alleged luxury vehicle ownership.
The appeal follows a suggestion from Senator-judge Robin Padilla during Thursday’s impeachment trial to investigate reports that certain congressmen own high-end vehicles valued between ₱16 million and ₱22 million, including bullet-proof Mercedes-Benzes, Range Rovers, and customized vans.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, November 13, Chua emphasized that the lower chamber maintains internal accountability procedures.
”Unang-una, may ethics kami, may ethics committee kami. So kung may reklamo man, doon binabagsak ‘yun,” said Chua, who also serves as a member of the House prosecution panel.
Chua further pointed out that legislative bodies are not the proper targets for impeachment proceedings.
”Ang isyu kasi dito is impeachment eh. Hindi naman subject sa impeachment ang mga miyembro ng Senado at mga miyembro ng KAMARA,” he noted, explaining that the ongoing tribunal centers exclusively on the allegations against the Vice President rather than the personal lifestyles of lawmakers.
”Ang point ko ho is kung mayroon man na nakikita sila na may mali, eh wala namang dahilan or wala namang pumipigil na ito ay ibagsak sa ethics committee o saan man,” Chua added.
Padilla’s initial remarks arose during Thursday’s proceedings when he challenged the House prosecution team to scrutinize his own ₱1.54 million in reported expenditures aimed at humanitarian assistance.
The senator’s interjection followed questioning by private prosecutor Atty. Rey Robles directed at defense witness Chad Parian regarding ₱256,000 worth of shoes bought by Atty. Manases “Mans” Carpio—husband of Vice President Sara Duterte—for an elite basketball team and their parents during a tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The line of questioning focused on whether the purchase aligned with the “simple living” mandate outlined in the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, as Duterte faces scrutiny over unexplained wealth in the sole article of impeachment.
In response to the probe, Padilla detailed various financial assistance he provided to victims of shooting incidents in Tacloban and South Cotabato, alongside other personal expenditures.