Kabayan Party-list apologizes for rep's 'irresponsible statement'

A party-list group apologized to the Office of the Ombudsman for "irresponsible" remarks issued by their representative, Harry Roque, about the alleged incompetence of some state lawyers.

The letter from Kabayan Party-list, dated January 6, was addressed to Ombudsman Special Prosecutor Wendell Barreras-Sulit, with a copy provided for Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.

The letter was signed by Joshua Sebastian, as the partylist's secretary-general, who said they wished "to expressed our sincerest apologies for the irresponsible statement" made by Roque in a radio interview last January 3.

He said they do not share Roque's allegation that some high-profile cases were dismissed by Sandiganbayan "because some state lawyers at the Office of the Ombudsman are either incompetent or received bribes."

"We respectfully wish to inform your Honor that such aspersion on the competence or integrity of our Ombudsman lawyers made by Rep. Roque are his personal opinions which do not reflect the sentiments of Kabayan Party-list members and do not bear the imprimatur of Kabayan Party-list," the letter read.

"We are perfectly aware that as one of our representatives in Congress, Rep. Roque is supposed to articulate the collective stand of Kabayan Party-list, and not his personal stand, let alone his unfounded personal opinion. Certainly, Kabayan Partylist does not support such highly irresponsible behavior of imputing malice to our dedicated and honest public servants so as to gain media attention."

The group said: "Please be assured that Kabayan Party-list adheres to principled advocacy and good governance. As such, we shall ask him to make the necessary explanation on the matter."

Roque reacted to the matter via Twitter, saying, "I have nothing to apologize for and neither is anyone authorized to apologize for me."

He also said those "allegedly speaking for Kabayan" or for him "are usurpers." — BAP, GMA News