Pimentel: No evidence, no probe on ‘lobby money talks’ rap

BEFORE THE REJECTION Former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez (right) shakes hands with Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Sato, amember of the Commission on Appointments, who later voted against her confirmation. —GRIG MONTEGRANDE

In the absence of any evidence, Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III saw no reason why the Commission on Appointments (CA) should investigate insinuations that “lobby money” was behind the rejection of Gina Lopez’ appointment as Environment Secretary.

Pimentel is chairman of the CA that unanimously rejected Lopez’ appointment last Wednesday.

“Yes, of course, I can investigate but I need some evidence to start with. As of now none, except words,” he said in an interview when asked if he could order the probe moto propio.

Asked what kind of evidence he needs to initiate the probe, Pimentel said: “Any evidence more credible than a ‘verbalized theory.’”

It was President Rodrigo Duterte himself who said that “lobby money talks” in the CA’s rejection of Lopez. Duterte and Pimentel are chairman and president of the ruling PDP-Laban, respectively.

“Sayang si Gina. I really like her passion. But you know how it is. This is democracy and lobby money talks. I do not control everything. I am the head of the executive department, the President. Congress is controlled by the Senate President and the Speaker, the lower house and the upper house,” Duterte said a day after the CA rejected Lopez.

READ: Duterte on Lopez rejection: Lobby money talks

Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano has immediately sought an investigation into the President’s claim. It was Alejano, who filed an impeachment complaint against Duterte at the House of Representatives.

Senators Panfilo Lacson and Minority Leader Franklin Drilon backed an investigation by the CA on the issue.

“Not by the House, not by the Senate, but by the CA,” said Lacson, who voted against Lopez’ appointment.

READ: Lacson raises issue of ‘personality disorder’ in vote vs Lopez

“May problema tayo ng jurisdiction. Ang CA is a distinct body, independent, constitutional nga yan eh. And I don’t think the House of Representatives has jurisdiction over the CA. Si Representative Alejano dapat itanong niya muna siguro sa lawyers niya kung proper ba ang kanyang ifa-file na resolution sa House para imbestigahan ang buong CA,” he said.

Drilon, who voted to confirm Lopez, also urged the CA to probe the allegation since he said it affects the Commission and its members./ac/rga