House probe sought on 'lobby money talks' in CA rejection of Gina Lopez

A couple of lawmakers are seeking an investigation into the alleged influence of “business interests” in the Commission on Appointments’ (CA) rejection of Gina Lopez as Environment secretary.

The calls come after President Rodrigo Duterte indicated that “lobby money” may have been behind the decision.

Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, a critic of the President, has said he will file a House resolution seeking an investigation into Duterte's claim.

“I will call for an investigation in the House by filing a resolution, and if the House is serious and is not guilty of the accusation, the Speaker (Pantaleon Alvarez) should give due course to such resolution,” Alejano said in a statement.

The lawmaker, who filed an impeachment complaint against Duterte in March, said the President’s remark was “a serious allegation.”

“It is an assault to the integrity of the Commission on Appointment and its members. Since all of the House contingent, I understand, voted against Gina Lopez, it is also an assault to the integrity and reputation of the House of Representatives as an institution. But if proven true, concerned members of CA must be held accountable. A case before the Ethics Committee, therefore, is in order,” he added.

In a separate interview, Alejano said the probe may be conducted by the House committee on good governance.

He also reiterated the importance of allowing such investigation to clear the name of the House.

“Ito lang kasi ang challenge sa institution: Kung hahayaan n’yo na maiwan sa perception ng taumbayan na corrupt at hindi maaasahan ang Kongreso, lulugmok at lulugmok ang imahe ng Kongreso. Ngayon, kung seryoso ho tayo na alagaan ito, ipakita natin sa taumbayan na talagang ‘di tino-tolerate ‘yan, especially ‘yung mga galaw at gawan ng mga miyembro ng Kongreso,” he told radio dzBB.

Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato, a member of the CA, is also calling on Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, the body’s chairman, to start a probe on the matter.

“I believe inaction will be a disservice to our people and to our country,” she said in a statement on Sunday.

Sato, who voted against Lopez’s appointment, said it was “unfortunate” for the said allegation to spring up again, this time with an insinuation from the President himself.

She said CA members are “duty bound to determine the fitness and qualification of Cabinet appointees free from undue influence,” adding that the rejection of Lopez and earlier, Perfecto Yasay as Foreign Affairs secretary, was a show of its independence.

“Any allegation that undermines the integrity and independence of the CA must be taken seriously,” she said.

Sato defended her decision to vote against Lopez’ appointment, despite her admiration for the latter’s passion and commitment for the environment.

She said there are two major issues that Lopez failed to address: making “issuances that had no basis in law,” in line with her moves against mining firms, and setting aside civil service rules in hiring personnel at the DENR.

Following Duterte’s statement, several CA members have denied getting money from lobbyists.

Malacañang on Sunday clarified that the President’s statement was not made against the body, but was only meant to “highlight the existence of certain vested interests in the appointment of officials.”

The Palace also underscored Duterte’s respect for the CA’s independence. —ALG, GMA News