THE House committee on ethics and privileges yesterday approved a recommended sanction against Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez who is accused of “disorderly conduct” for urging the military to withdraw support from President Marcos Jr. last month.
However, the proposed sanctions will will be disclosed only once the panel, chaired by Rep. Felimon Espares (PL, Coop Natcco), makes the recommendation to the plenary, said Rep. Jil Bongalon (PL, Ako Bicol), panel vice chair.
Bongalon said the committee’s decision, which was reached in a close-door meeting, was “just recommendatory” and “subject for the approval of the plenary in the session.”
He said that whatever sanction the committee will recommend – from a simple reprimand to expulsion – will have to be voted upon by the plenary which has the power to affirm or reverse it.
Majority leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, who chairs of the committee on rules, said the plenary will take action once the committee report is submitted to his office.
Congress is set to adjourn sine die today. It will re-open session in July for the Third Regular Session.
The complaint filed by Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy has been found to be sufficient in form and content.
The complaint, which also accused Alvarez of conduct unbecoming of a public official, also cited as grounds his alleged libelous remarks against his fellow local officials and habitual absences in Congress, a complaint which was already dropped after Alvarez proved that he was working in his district.
On April 14 during a rally in Tagum City, Alvarez urged the military to withdraw support from Marcos amid the rising tension between the Philippines and China in connection with the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.
If the military withdraws support, Marcos will be forced to step down as President and Vice President Sara Duterte, who has remained silent on Beijing’s bullying of Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea, will take over.
