The House Committee on Ethics and Privileges said it is ready to take on complaints against lawmakers allegedly involved in irregular flood control projects, including those tagged as “cong-tractors,” once any formal case is filed.
Committee chairperson and 4Ps Partylist Representative JC Abalos said the panel will act swiftly in accordance with House rules.
“Kapag may magpa-file ng complaint sa maski sinong kongresista na may kinalaman sa mga maanomalyang transaksyon pagdating sa imprastraktura or kung anuman, handa po kaming sagutin ’yan sa Committee on Ethics at gagawin namin ’yan within 60 session days pursuant to our rules,” Abalos said.
He noted that the committee is simply awaiting any complaint.
“Nag-aabang lang naman po kami, kung ano ang complaint na isasampa sa aming Committee sasagutin po namin ’yan.”
The committee recently drew criticism for allegedly fast-tracking the disciplinary case of Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga, who was suspended for 60 days for conduct unbecoming of a House member. Abalos pointed out, however, that the panel has handled similar cases before, including one involving former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co.
“Nagkaroon kami ng initial deliberation, pero naging moot and academic kasi hindi na member ng House eh,” he said.
Abalos stressed the need to hold accountable those linked to the flood control corruption scandal.
“On my end po, malaking pagkakamali man ’yan o maliit, hindi po natin pwedeng balewalain ang isa kaya nga po naniniwala po ako na napakahalaga na i-hold natin accountable ang mga involved sa flood control corruption scandal.”
He added that demanding accountability for corruption and enforcing proper conduct among lawmakers go hand in hand.
“Hindi po mutually exclusive ang pag-demand ng accountability sa graft and corruption and sa pag-demand ng proper conduct from our elected public officials.”
Abalos also noted that cases involving graft and corruption continue to be investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman.