The House of Representatives is committed to fulfilling its duties and responsibilities, without the intent of being swayed by emotions amid the recent issues that blew up concerning threats made by Vice President (VP) Sara Duterte.
The lawmakers expressed on Thursday, that they disagree with what is currently happening. However, House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega noted that this is a “bigger divisionary tactic.” As members of the Committee, they are focused on the issues and also fear the possibility of it becoming true.
Several questions are being asked, and being considered. However, they are set on prioritizing their goals to improve the laws and address their loopholes.
“Hindi kami pwede magpadala sa emosyon namin kasi may goal kami sa komite; which is yung hearings namin, at maimprove itong mga batas na ito na may mga loopholes na siguro kailangan na i-update. Naandon po yung focus ng committees,” Ortega said.
Meanwhile, Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson Khonghun stated that they are focused on fulfilling their responsibilities, including passing laws to protect the confidential fund spending in each agency.
“We are not delusional, we are focused kung ano yung trabaho na kailangan naming gawain—Ano yung trabaho na aming kinahaharap. We are not mentally unstable, we are not emotionally unstable,” Khonghun said.
“We are in the right mind, alam namin yung trabahong kailangan namin gawin, at alam namin kung ano yung mga kailangan namin tapusin in aid of legislation,” he added.
Impeachment Complaints vs VP Sara
Several civil groups are pushing to file impeachment complaints against the Vice President amid the recent issues concerning the Office of the Vice President.
House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability Chairman and Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua stated that everyone is entitled to their opinions on each government sector.
Khonghun echoed Chua’s sentiments, stating that an individual’s rights should be respected, their political beliefs included. However, he reiterated that Congress has not discussed the matter yet.
“Pero kung kami tatanungin niyo, kung meron bang stang ang administrasyon ng Kongreso sa pangunguna ng ating Speaker, wala po hindi namin ‘yan napag-uusapan,” he said.
To them, one thing is important, and that is to fulfill their duties before the year ends. He also highlighted the importance of establishing laws to protect the spending of confidential funds to prevent such cases from reoccurring.
“Kasi naniniwala na kami, na hindi dapat maulit. At magkaroon dapat ng safeguard, lalong-lalo na sa paggamit o pagdisburse ng mga confidential fund ng kahit anong departamento ng pamahalaan,” the lawmaker stressed.
Earlier this week, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) - Philippines called on Congress to support the impeachment efforts against the VP.
VP Duterte is currently facing corruption allegations due to the anomalies concerning confidential and intelligence funds in her office and the Department of Education (DepEd) while she was its head.
