Harry Roque files raps vs. Kabayan party-mates with DOJ

Embattled lawmaker Harry Roque filed on Thursday a complaint against some of his fellow members in the Kabayan party-list for plotting his ouster from the group and Congress.

Roque accused the following of violating his parliamentary immunity, a crime punishable with a prison term of six to 12 years under Article 145 of the Revised Penal Code:

• Ron Salo, also member of the House of Representatives and second nominee of Kabayan party-list
• Joshua Sebastian
• Victor Caguimbal
• Rex Tacda
• Pedro Parrocho
• Anthony Avelino
• Jennis Nidea
• Cesar Roy
• Adrian Tuazon
• Tito Marshall Fajardo
• Arnold Moralejo

Roque alleged that Salo "conspired" with the other respondents claiming to be trustees and officers of the Kabayan party-list to "restrict my rights as a member of Congress, unlawfully malign the free exercise of my powers as a legislator, and illegitimately unseat me as an incumbent congressman."

Roque cited the purported party resolution dated January 12 that ordered his expulsion from Kabayan amid complaints on his behavior and statements.

It specifically pointed to Roque’s "irrelevant, vulgar, and sexist questions" during a hearing of the House Committee on Justice in November last year.

Roque was one of the lawmakers that asked Ronnie Dayan questions regarding his relationship with his former boss, former Justice secretary and now Senator Leila De Lima, who is implicated in the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison. 

Roque accused Salo and Sebastian of usurping the authority of the party officers. He noted that Salo and Sebastian had never been elected to such positions based on party records.

He also said the respondents "overstepped" the exclusive authority of House ethics committee to probe any allegations of misconduct by a member of the House of Representatives during sessions.

"What better way is there to prevent me from freely exercising my rights, powers, and responsibilities as a legislator than by removing me from the Kabayan party-list and, consequently, as its Representative in Congress?" the complaint read.

"By aiming to remove me as Kabayan party-list representative in Congress, I would surely be prevented from attending its meetings or that of any of its committees, from expressing my opinions in the Congress or any of its Committees, and from casting my vote as a member of the House of Representatives," it added.

Roque had already asked the Commission on Elections to prevent his ouster. He also called on the poll body to order the party-list to hold a congress that would elect a new set of leaders. —KBK, GMA News