Pacquiao’s panel hit over inaction on ethics complaint vs. former Senator Legarda

The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges chaired by Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao during the recently concluded 17th Congress has failed to answer the Office of the Ombudsman’s inquiry regarding the ethics complaint filed against then-Senator Loren Legarda, the Anti-Trapo Movement of the Philippines (ATM) said Wednesday.

Assistant Ombudsman Pilarita Lapitan formally asked Pacquiao for an update on the ethics complaint filed by ATM against Legarda over allegations of meddling and pecuniary interest related to the congressional franchise of Solar Para sa Bayan Corp., a firm founded and led by Legarda’s son, Leandro Leviste, ATM said in a statement.

The franchise will allow Solar Para sa Bayan to build, install, establish, operate and maintain power distribution technologies and mini-grid systems across the country.

In a letter to Pacquiao’s office dated June 21, the assistant ombudsman asked the senator what action has been taken regarding the ethics complaint. The letter was received by Pacquiao’s office on July 15.

“Your advice on the action taken, directly to the complainant, copy furnished this Office … will be highly appreciated,” Lapitan wrote.

GMA News Online has contacted the Office of the Ombudsman for a statement regarding the inquiry, but has yet to receive a reply as of this posting.

“It was not immediately known if Pacquiao, who had been busy the past few months training for his July 21 fight against Keith Thurman, responded to the latest Ombudsman query,” Leon Estrella Peralta, ATM chairman, said.

“We admire Manny Pacquiao for the lightning speed of punches he throws against opponents inside the boxing ring. But we find very disenchanting his refusal just to flex a muscle and to act on our complaint,” Peralta added.

Former Senator Legarda, who abstained during the casting of votes on the Solar franchise bill, now serves as Antique representative and sits as one of the Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, voted in favor of granting the franchise to Leviste’s Solar Para sa Bayan.

GMA News Online also got in touch with the senator’s chief of staff, but has not received a reply as of this posting.

“The Constitution prohibits her (Legarda) from having direct or indirect interest in a franchise granted by the government. It is established that her being the mother of the franchisee’s owner gives her indirect interest in the franchise. That prohibition applies whether she abstains from voting or not,” ATM said.

The bill granting a congressional franchise to Leviste’s firm is awaiting the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte. —VDS, GMA News