Alvarez laughs off disbarment threat over girlfriend admission

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez laughed off the possibility of losing his license to practice law over his admission that he has a relationship with another woman.

Alvarez, who is married, admitted that he has a girlfriend during a phone interview with House reporters on Thursday afternoon.

Asked about this being an “ethical issue” that may lead to his disbarment, Alvarez, a lawyer, said: “Kung meron silang nakikitang issues, ipapa-disbar ako for having a girlfriend, eh ‘di go ahead! Mag-file sila ng complaint.”

Then he added, laughing: “Baka walang matirang abogado!”

This prompted a reporter to ask on record if this is an admission to having another relationship, he replied: “Diyos ko naman. Kayo naman… Sino bang walang girlfriend?”

Alvarez’ relationship came to light after he filed a graft complaint against Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr., over his links to the Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (TADECO) — one of the largest banana plantations in the world — and the Anflo Management and Investment Corporation (ANFLOCOR). 

He is also calling for a House inquiry on the joint venture between TADECO and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

Alvarez and Floirendo used to be close, but rumors swirled that the falling out allegedly began because of a fight between Floirendo's partner Cathy Binag and Alvarez’ girlfriend Jennifer Vicencio.

It was also rumored that the quarrel started because Floirendo was leading ouster plot against Alvarez to clear the speakership for former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Floirendo has denied that he is moving to unseat Alvarez. In a separate statement, Binag confirmed that she and Vicencio had a fight, but said it would be “petty” if that prompted the Speaker to file a complaint.

Floreindo’s partner claimed that the two men’s relationship turned sour after Alvarez’ wife, Emelita, and their children sought the couple’s help over the Speaker’s womanizing.

Alvarez initially dodged questions about his personal life during Thursday’s interview, but eventually answered some of the questions.

Here, he admitted that he and wife Emelita are separated, saying, “Matagal na po kaming hindi nag-uusap, sa totoo lang.”

He also refused to say how long he and Vicencio have been together, calling it a “secret.” However, he said his family knows about this relationship. —JST, GMA News