Lawmakers belie claims of blindly following orders
TWO Manila district representatives on Wednesday belied allegations suggesting they were taking orders from House Speaker Martin Romualdez and cited their autonomy in decision-making and accountability to their constituents.
Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua, who chairs the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, emphasized that public opinion, not political influence, guides his actions.
«If we look at the survey, more than 60 percent agree with what the quad comm is doing, so no one else can dictate to us except the people. Because no matter what the Speaker says, if the people don't agree, then it all becomes meaningless,» Representative Chua said during their appearance at the Manila City Hall Reporters' Association (Machra) news forum on Wednesday.
Chua cited significant public support, particularly in Metro Manila, for the quad comm's initiatives, which include investigating allegations of confidential fund misuse by the office of Vice President Sara Duterte.
He also dismissed criticism by so-called social media influencers and vloggers as baseless attacks meant to discredit the committee's work.
«We will just do our job because we have seen that many issues have come up,» Chua said, highlighting unexpected revelations during their legislative inquiries.
He clarified that Speaker Romualdez does not interfere in their work, given the diversity of lawmakers' affiliations and constituencies.
AdvertisementMeanwhile, Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolan Valeriano, a member of the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability and head of the Committee on Metro Manila Development, echoed Chua's sentiments.
«I am not dictated [to] when I see something wrong; I will oppose it and stand my ground,» Representative Valeriano said, underlining his resolve against wrongdoing.
He shared examples of his independence, citing his clashes with a sheriff and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority during the pandemic over unjust demolitions in the city.
Valeriano also recounted challenges in his political career, including his decision to align with Asenso Manileño despite financial constraints and political opposition.
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