Probe sought on ‘extortion’ by CA members

Sun.Star: An opposition congressman has urged Ombudsman Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez to investigate the reported extortion activities by some members of the 12-man House contingent to the Commission on Appointments (CA). Citizens Battle Against Corruption (Cibac) party-list Representative Joel Villanueva urged Gutierrez “to show iron fist" in determining the truth behind allegations made by outgoing Negros Oriental Representative Herminio Teves that some congressmen who sit in the CA demanded P5 million in exchange for the confirmation of the appointment of his son, Margarito “Gary" Teves, as finance secretary. Secretary Teves had been bypassed by the CA twice already. Villanueva believes that there is enough good reason for Gutierrez to look into the controversy hounding the CA. “The Office of the Ombudsman can start its own inquiry in line with their intensified campaign against graft and corruption in public service," said Villanueva. “An investigation to clear the issue is in order so that the institution (House of Representatives) will not be damaged in general. The Ombudsman has something very huge to contribute in this," he added. Outgoing Surigao del Sur Representative Prospero Pichay, who chairs the 12-man House contingent to CA, criticized Congressman Teves for what he called as “irresponsible allegation." Meanwhile, pro-administration lawmakers called on the House leadership to start an investigation on the extortion issue as soon as possible to give due process to all concerned and prevent the issue from being muddled by individuals who want to discredit the House. Reelected Parañaque City Representative Eduardo Zialcita and Isabela Representative Edwin Uy bewailed that the extortion issue is given a new twist almost daily with the coming out of new accusers who however refused to identify lawmakers involved in the controversy. Zialcita said the House leadership should not delay any formal investigation into the allegation of Congressman Teves. Uy, for his part, said the investigation should start to put the issue in its proper perspective. “There should be no delays in the probe to prevent further speculations. We must accord concerned lawmakers due process by allowing them to face their accusers and answer their charges." - Sun.Star