Manila Representative Rolando Valeriano, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, has allowed Oriental Mindoro Representative Arnan Panaligan to explain his side regarding the investigation by the House Infra Comm into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
RH 12 Milky Rigonan reported that the House of Representatives has authorized the formation of a special House Infra Committee tasked with probing irregularities in flood control projects, which includes the Committee on Public Order and Safety, the Committee on Public Accounts, and the Committee on Public Works and Highways.
According to Valerino, the House Infra Tri-Comm will begin the investigation as soon as possible, and while Panaligan is free to attend the hearing to clarify his involvement, he will not be part of the committee’s investigative proceedings.
This is after being implicated by Senator Ping Lacson in his privilege speech regarding substandard and “ghost” flood control projects last Wednesday, to which Panaligan already denied any involvement in the anomalies.
Valerino stated that any lawmaker found to be involved in anomalous flood control projects could face expulsion from Congress.
He clarified that although the House does not serve as a prosecuting body, it has the authority to issue a resolution to formally expel a member from office, which was similar to what was done in the case of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., who was involved in criminal cases.
“Sa disciplinary action siguro, it depends on leadership. Nagtanggal na ho kami ng isa naming kasamang congressman, so I don't see any reason. Kung talagang dapat matanggal, why not,” Valerino said.
He further added that if other lawmakers are flagged aside from Panaligan, they will also be given the chance to present their side. Unlike the former, the lawmakers will not be part of the committee's investigation.
