The House of Representatives will be investigating the claims made by Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), founded by controversial religious leader Apollo Quiboloy, against House Speaker Martin Romualdez, saying that the latter spent PHP 1.8 Billion for travel expenses in a year.
"These allegations are a clear example of fake news, designed to mislead the public and tarnish the reputation of the Speaker and the entire House of Representatives as an institution," House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said in a statement.
"The House is committed to transparency and accountability, and the Office of the Secretary General can confirm that such bloated amount for the Speaker’s travel expenses does not exist," he added.
The House also approved a motion ordering the Committee on Legislative Franchises to conduct a hearing on SMNI’s report on November 30.
During a plenary session on Tuesday, Quezon 2nd District Rep. David Suarez urged the House leadership to investigate the matter, urging the chamber to hold the television network liable for their report.
“We demand immediate retraction and apology from those spreading fake lies. Furthermore, we are exploring other options to hold accountable those responsible for this smear campaign," he said in his privileged speech.
“In the spirit of transparency and accountability, I humbly request this august chamber to direct the Committee on Legislative Franchises, in the exercise of its inherent oversight function, to investigate this matter immediately,” Suarez added.
