May 17, 2024 - 00:15
By manilatimes.net

House panel to continue probe of Alvarez's 'disorderly behavior'

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges will continue its hearings over the alleged «disorderly behavior» of Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, which a local official filed against him.

The panel, however, dismissed the complaint of habitual absences against the Davao lawmaker as he reasoned out that he was in his district serving his constituents.

Committee chairman and Coop-NATCCO Partylist Rep. Felimon Espares told reporters after the four-hour closed-door hearing that they needed to continue their formal hearings on Monday.

Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez. File Photo

Tagum City Mayor Ray Uy filed the ethics complaint against Alvarez for his habitual absences, making statements against government officials and speeches that called for the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, and the military's withdrawal of support.

In the case of his habitual absences, the panel dismissed the complaint for lack of evidence.

«On the part of the respondent, nagpakita sya ng letter to the Secretary-General of his request to allowing him to work in his district dahil hindi naman lahat ng work ng congressman ay dito lagi (He showed a letter to the Secretary-General requesting that he be allowed to work in his district as not all the work of a congressman is based here in the Batasan,» Espares said.

Espares added that they would not investigate the alleged seditious statements by Alvarez but to determine whether his «utterance of the statement reflects the disorderly conduct of a member, which is more administrative in nature.

He said that the panel may hold its meetings until Tuesday but was not sure if they can continue beyond that as the House is set to adjourn sine die and will convene in July.

Espares said, however, that they may continue their hearings after the State of the Nation Address.

In an interview with reporters, Uy maintained that he wanted Alvarez to be expelled from the House.