House censures Alvarez for urging gov’t troops to turn back on Marcos

house censures alvarez for urging gov’t troops to turn back on marcos

House censures Alvarez for urging gov’t troops to turn back on Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives voted on Wednesday night to censure former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez for his speech at a Tagum City prayer rally last month where he reportedly called on the police and the military to withdraw their support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

While the House committee on ethics and privileges chaired by Coop-Natcco Rep. Felimon Espares had recommended a 60-day suspension for the Davao del Norte congressman, the penalty was reduced to a censure on the prompting of Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo.

Unanimously approved

Romualdo was among the lawmakers who reacted strongly against Alvarez’s statements in the April 14 Maisug prayer rally at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism complex. He even called on the Department of Justice to investigate and possibly file a complaint of inciting to sedition against the former House leader

A total of 186 lawmakers voted in favor of the committee’s recommendation. Five were not in favor while seven abstained, including Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, the President’s son.

Espares said that although there were specific defenses propounded by Alvarez, “we cannot agree that there was no improper conduct committed,” adding that the committee “cannot countenance such words or statements that would put into disrepute the image of our institution.”

“Our colleague should have been more circumspect [about] his words or statements and observed the norms of conduct expected of public officials under our jurisdiction,” he stressed.

He said the panel found that the former Speaker “indeed uttered unparliamentary and inappropriate statements which reflected negatively upon the dignity, integrity and reputation of the House as an institution and on the members of the House individually and collectively.”

In appealing to downgrade the penalty, Romualdo said that while he agreed that Alvarez’s statements in the rally were “unparliamentary and distasteful,” the committee had acknowledged that they were “emotional expressions rather than intentional calls for actual harm or further political consequences.”

Romualdo also said the severity of a 60-day suspension appeared “disproportionate” to the nature and context of the former Speaker’s conduct.

OTHER NEWS

2 hrs ago

Who won the F1 race today? Full results, standings from 2024 Spanish Grand Prix

2 hrs ago

COLUMN: 'Test of patience' for TNT as PBA sits on revised Nambatac trade

2 hrs ago

How to Get Your Silverware Sparkling Clean

2 hrs ago

Gift To Fans: Janella Salvador, Jane De Leon Launch GL Video For Pride Month

2 hrs ago

Man Utd approach legendary striker to join Erik ten Hag's coaching staff

2 hrs ago

Hack That’s Crippled Car Dealers Is In Process of Being Resolved

3 hrs ago

John Wayne's 7 Children: All About the Duke's Sons and Daughters

3 hrs ago

LTO gets youngest executive director

3 hrs ago

7 Houseplants That Cool Your Home During a Heatwave

3 hrs ago

Mindanao fishers seek protection as China ships spotted off region

3 hrs ago

Nash Aguas, Mika Dela Cruz ‘nostalgic’ during visit to ‘Goin’ Bulilit’ set

3 hrs ago

France fends off Brazil to go 2-2 in VNL Manila leg

3 hrs ago

Technical problem forces Boeing 777 operated by KLM to return to Amsterdam

3 hrs ago

What Retirement in Canada Looks Like Financially

3 hrs ago

Barca fans urge Joan Laporta to sign Nico Williams

3 hrs ago

Vikings 2022 1st-rounder already on the roster bubble

3 hrs ago

VNL 2024: Japan beats USA for first time in Manila finale

3 hrs ago

When Is the Next Steam Sale? List of Upcoming Steam Sale Dates

4 hrs ago

How might the Boston Celtics approach Sam Hauser's potential free agency?

4 hrs ago

Luxembourg Grand Duke announces start of handover to son

4 hrs ago

Ex-champion Murray out of Wimbledon after back surgery

4 hrs ago

Gabbi Garcia Wore Three Show-Stopping Looks to Host the Miss Manila 2024 Pageant

4 hrs ago

Pogo lawyer refutes claims of illegal activities in Pampanga hub

4 hrs ago

My mom wants to leave everything to one sibling. How can the rest of us get her to stop playing favorites?

4 hrs ago

Soccer-Turkey boss defends decision to bench Guler in Portugal defeat

5 hrs ago

MLB DFS: Top DraftKings, FanDuel daily Fantasy baseball picks, lineups, advice, stacks for June 22, 2024

5 hrs ago

Done deal! Fabrizio Romano confirms Bayern Munich have an agreement to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace (+ transfer fee details)

5 hrs ago

Yankuba Minteh's agent confirms exit from Newcastle

5 hrs ago

NBA draft: Are there international prospects beyond France fans should keep an eye on? Oui!

5 hrs ago

VP Sara Duterte says she remains ‘friendly’ with Marcos; resignation in DepEd's best interest

5 hrs ago

Laguna bettor wins P70M lotto prize

5 hrs ago

In the race to replace Sen. Romney, Utah weighs a Trump loyalist and a climate-focused congressman

6 hrs ago

Why Detroit Lions coach is 'excited' about Day 3 pick's development

6 hrs ago

'Cool lolo' Wig Tysmans on self-care at 71

6 hrs ago

Tampa Bay Rays at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and predictions

6 hrs ago

Used-EV prices are crashing as buyers shift back towards hybrid vehicles

6 hrs ago

Gen X finally tops Boomer 401(k) balances, but will it be enough to retire?

6 hrs ago

Fantasy football outlook: New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers

6 hrs ago

Sandara Park recalls sad feelings about leaving Philippines to live in Korea

6 hrs ago

5 big analyst AI moves: Palantir downgraded, Micron PT hiked ahead of earnings