House panel to probe merits of ethics raps vs. Alvarez over rally statements

The House ethics panel will probe the merits of the ethics complaint filed against former Speaker Pantaelon Alvarez of Davao del Norte over the latter’s alleged disorderly behavior stemming from the statements he made in rallies with former President Rodrigo Duterte and other allies, House ethics panel chairperson Felimon Espares of COOP-NATCCO party-list said Thursday.

Espares was referring to the complaint made by Tagum City, Davao del Norte Mayor Rey Uy and other local officials.

“We came up with the decision that we need to continue the hearing next week, for the formal and adjudicatory hearing. It is on disorderly behavior [due to the] statement being uttered in rallies. We will proceed with our formal hearing next week,” Espares told reporters after a four-hour closed door executive session deliberation on the ethics raps lodged against Alvarez, adding that the  next hearing is set on Monday, May 20.

“Based on our initial review, there is a basis why the [ethics] complaint was filed, and we determined that it is within our jurisdiction to receive evidence over this complaint and if there is an appropriate action that we need to do,” he added.

“These [incidents] happened during the 19th Congress, so the Committee has jurisdiction. We have reason to believe that the Committee should investigate this [complaint],” Espares added.

The House ethics panel, however, dismissed the complaint of Alvarez being neglectful of his duty as a lawmaker due to chronic absence in the House of Representatives, citing to lack of evidence.

Alvarez earlier said that his statements during these rallies are protected by the constitutional right to free expression.

Espares confirmed that Alvarez, who showed up during Thursday’s House ethics panel proceedings, cited freedom of speech as one of his defenses.

Likewise, Espares said that the House ethics panel will not discuss whether Alvarez committed sedition or incitement to sedition in making the statements during the rallies since the committee does not have jurisdiction on criminal cases.

In addition, he and House ethics panel chairperson Ria Vergara reminded their colleagues to be mindful of their actions.

“Our actions have consequences. That is why we distributed his handbook to our colleagues. When we do wrong, this can be used against us. The committee cannot turn a blind eye in enforcing discipline on erring House members,” Espares said.

“Public office is a public trust. As representatives of our constituents, we are held to a higher standard. When we behave in such a way that does not protect the integrity of the House, then the Committee on Ethics steps in to make sure all its members abide by the rules of conduct befitting of an elected representative,” Vergara added. — BM, GMA Integrated News