Manila, Philippines – The most recent talks in the Congress is regarding the 60-day suspension of Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga following an ethics complaint.
The complaint rooted from his alleged unethical and irresponsible use of social media, which the Committee on Ethics and Privileges noted as acts “unbecoming of a House member.”
249 lawmakers voted yes for Barzaga’s suspension, 11 abstained, while 5 rejected the recommendation.
Among the lawmakers that voted “NO” is Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Legarda Leviste who argued that there is much more shamful act than of Barzaga’s — and that is being tagged into corruption allegatoions.
He particularly pointed out fellow Batangas lawmaker Construction Workers Solidarity (CWS) Party-list Rep. Edwin Gardiola, who Leviste tagged into the flood control mess, alleging him as the second biggest of DPWH infra projects.
Leviste said he was displeased with Gardiola attending the session and voting for Gardiola’s suspension when he himself is linked with corruption issues.
He also expressed disappointment how fellow lawmakers seemingly normalized Gardiola’s presence as if he is not alleged of corruption.
Leviste argued that the Congress should have investigated first the heavier issue—corruption allegations over social media ethics complaints.
During the same session, Leviste took the controversial selfie with Gardiola, when the CWS representative seemingly dismissed him.
Leviste defended that he got caught up in the moment to take a photo after not seeing Gardiola in the plenary for three months.
He said that he also tried to talk to Gardial, hoping to hear an explanation amid corruption allegations.
Leviste, further, noted that he focuses on this matter, as most of the projects on his district are under the companies linked to Gardiola.
He said that he is doing this for the benefit of his district.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News