Lacson puzzled by Ungab’s ouster as House appropriations panel chair
MANILA, Philippines -Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday said he is puzzled by the ouster of 3rd District Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab as chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Appropriations.
Ungab’s ouster was brought up during the confirmation hearing by the Commission on Appointment’s Committee on Foreign Affairs on Ungab’s appointment as colonel of the Army’s reserve force.
“Why were you ousted as the appropriations committee chair?” Lacson asked point-blank during the hearing.
“I actually have no idea why I was actually ousted but I just read it on the papers and I think that was the reason why,” Ungab said.
Lacson explained that he only raised the matter out of curiosity since he said he finds Ungab “competent” and “more qualified” than most members of the House to lead the appropriations panel.
“So kami sa Senate nagtataka kami lahat dito, bakit natanggal ?” the senator said.
(So we’re wondering in the Senate why was he removed)
Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who like Ungab was appointed as a reserve Army colonel, in jest said when asked by Lacson, that she had nothing to do with the ouster of herHugpong ng Pagbabago party mate.
“Sir I had nothing to do with his removal, sir.”
Duterte-Carpio’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) earlier condemned Ungab’s removal from his chairmanship in the House.
HNP: Ungab ouster as House appropriations panel chair ‘grossly unacceptable’
