Alvarez under investigation by House ethics panel

Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez NOY MORCOSO/INQUIRER.NET

MANILA, Philippines — The House ethics committee has started investigating former Speaker and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez who is accused of being habitually absent and making libelous and seditious statements.

Ako Bicol party list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon, vice chair of the committee on ethics and privileges, said at a press conference on Monday that the move was based on complaints from Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy and other people.

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In particular, Alvarez was accused of making allegedly libelous remarks against other Davao del Norte officials and being habitually absent from the House of Representatives.

Another complaint focused on the supposedly seditious statements he made at a rally in Davao City, particularly calling on the military and police to withdraw their support for the administration.

Bongalon said the committee asked Alvarez to answer the allegations within 10 days. He added that the committee would proceed with the hearing “whether or not there is a reply or answer from [Representative] Alvarez.” —JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE