House panel gives Bello 10 days to answer ethics complaint

Akbayan party-list Rep. Walden Bello has been given 10 days to answer the complaint filed against him for alleged unparliamentary remarks and disorderly behavior when he delivered a scathing privilege speech against former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in July. This was after the House committee on ethics on Tuesday found the 12-page complaint filed by Reps. Marc Douglas Cagas (Davao del Sur), Ignacio Arroyo (Negros Occidental), Simeon Datumanong (Maguindanao), Ma. Milagros Magsaysay (Zambales), and Aurelio Gonzales (Pampanga) in compliance of their rules. Section 16 of the rules governing the committee states that the complaint should contain the names of the complainants and addresses, among others. The complainants were seeking Bello’s suspension, saying he "is liable and must be disciplined." During the hearing, Bohol Rep. Erico Aumentado, chairman of the committee, directed the committee secretary to inform Bello on the need to answer the complaint. "Now the committee secretary is directed to notify (Bello) with a copy of the complaint for the respondent to submit his answers, thereto after which, we shall schedule the next proceeding," he said. Before this, Bataan Rep. Henedina Abad and Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr. asked the committee to defer the discussion on the complaint to give the members more time to review the complaint. But Cagas and Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino said the members had enough time to review the complaint as it was filed three months ago. When Antonino made a motion declaring that the complaint has complied with the requirement, which meant it was sufficient in form, no one objected. He said acting on the complaint would allow the process to move and give the complainants and the respondent opportunity to present their respective sides. “The respondent will be given the opportunity to comply and we can get into the meat of whether the complaint really is valid or not by giving the opportunity not only to the complainants but also to the respondent to file their respective positions," said Antonino. Bello was not present during the hearing as he was attending the simultaneous hearing on the Freedom of Information bill. Interviewed later, he said he respects the processes of the committee as he expressed confidence that it will eventually show that he is not guilty of any wrongdoing. "We will comply with the procedures required of us. However, let me just say that I think that the minority continues to be wrong in terms of filing the case. Sa tingin ko, exercise ng freedom of speech ko yun," he said. - Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMANews.TV