Solon faces ouster for bribery claim

The House leadership on Friday warned that Rep. Pastor Alcover of Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy could be expelled if he fails to retract or prove his claim that the 200 lawmakers who impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona were given a P1-million bribe by President Aquino.

House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said: “When Congressman Alcover made his baseless accusation, he should have been conscious of the fact that he had practically maligned the honor of the 200 members whose number is sufficient to expel him.”

Vote requirement

The House rules require two-thirds vote of the 285 members to expel one of its members for disorderly conduct. Gonzales said that aside from the 188 who signed the impeachment complaint against Corona, 12 more signed a motion to include them as complainants.

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone said Alcover should retract or prove his claim that the signatories of the Corona impeachment were gifted P1 million each.

“We are ready to move for his expulsion in the ethics committee for making a bare-faced lie,” said Evardone.

‘They’re shameless’

Alcover was quoted as saying in a provincial media outfit:

“They said they accepted it because they want to give Christmas presents to their constituents. They’re shameless.”

Alcover did not reply to the Inquirer’s query.

Gonzales said that the House leadership would consult with the majority on what action to take against Alcover.

“Once all of those who signed the impeachment become aware of  how they were maligned and insulted by Alcover, we will make our move,” said Gonzales.