WITH a firm call for accountability and proper conduct in Congress, newly elected House Committee on Ethics and Privileges Chair JC Abalos of the 4Ps Party-list vowed to uphold fairness, integrity, and the rule of law in handling cases of misconduct involving lawmakers.
“Naniniwala ako na may marangal, makatarungan, at tamang proseso ng pagwawasto ng pagkakamali sa hanay naming mga mambabatas”, this was emphasized in an interview this Friday, August 1, with Congressman JC Abalos, 4Ps Partylist Representative, and newly elected Chairman of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
He continued by reiterating that there are standards, processes, and mechanisms to seek accountability from lawmakers, and these will be his benchmarks in fulfilling his duty as Chair of the said Committee.
“Bilang Ethics Committee Chairman, ako ang nararapat na unang sumunod sa mga prosesong itinakda ng Rules ng House of Representatives, at ng ating mga batas. Makakaasa naman ang ating mga kababayan na sisikapin ng aming Committee na tugunan ang lahat ng mga maiuulat na insidenteng papaloob sa jurisdiction ng Committee on Ethics”, Rep. Abalos also said.
Furthermore, according to Rep. Abalos, while there are particular issues that may potentially be referred to the Ethics Committee, he clarified that it will require sufficient time to adopt the Committee’s internal rules and have the minimum number of members among other essential tasks of convening the Committee before formally receiving complaints or ethics cases. In a light manner, he appealed to everyone’s understanding that he was only elected as Ethics Committee Chair last Wednesday, July 30, two days ago from the time of the interview.
Also in this interview, Rep. Abalos shared some of his plans to the members of the media. According to him, he intends to craft a policy that will seek to establish an independent body similar to the United States. He continued to elaborate that this office will be tasked to investigate complaints of unethical behavior or violations of the Code of Conduct of House Legislators and their staff.
Rep. Abalos proceeded and explained that in order to safeguard the non-political and non-partisan nature of the said independent body, members of the proposed office will be composed of individuals who are not part of any executive or judiciary branches, those that are not engaged in current contracts or agreements with the House, individuals who are known lobbyists are likewise not qualified, and those who are not relatives of any incumbent House Member, officer, or permanent employee within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity.
Lastly, he assures everyone that he is one with all Filipinos calling for all lawmakers to remain respectful members of the legislative branch and follow proper decorum inside and outside the House of Representatives.
“Gusto kong ipaalala sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan na ako ay kakampi ninyo sa panawagan ng tamang asal at masusing pagsunod sa maayos na decorum o yung pag-uugali na ipinapakita at ikinikilos ng ating mga mambabatas, sa loob at labas ng Kongreso”, Rep. Abalos emphasized further.
In reiteration, the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges is responsible for all matters related to the duties, conduct, rights, privileges and immunities, dignity, integrity and reputation of the House of Representatives and its members
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