House ethics panel to probe Alvarez for disorderly conduct

The House committee on ethics and privileges will investigate Davao del Norte 1st district Representative Pantaleon Alvarez for disorderly conduct after it found sufficient in form and substance a complaint filed by Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy.

Ethics Committee Vice Chair Raul Angelo Bongalon of AKO-Bicol Partylist told GMA Integrated News that the complaint alleges "among others violation of the Code of Conduct of the House of Representatives, as well as violation of the Revised Penal Code."

"Specifically, sinasabi ni Mayor Uy na 'yung continued unjustified absences ni Rep Pantaleon Alvarez constitutes disorderly behavior, as well as his libelous speeches and remarks against the vice gov of Davao del Norte and other public local officials. Number three is the seditious remarks made by Rep Alvarez calling for the withdrawal of support of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP (Philippine National Police) to the President Bongbong (Marcos) administration," Bongalon said.

"The committee was able to determine the sufficiency in form and substance of the complaint filed," Bongalon added.

As per the committee's procedure, it will send out a notice to Alvarez to inform him of the complaint, as well as his right to reply within 10 days of receipt of the said notice.

"Procedural due process will be observed and he will be given the opportunity to rebut and answer the allegations hurled against him," Bongalon assured.

After the committee has received Alvarez's reply, it will schedule another meeting.

"We will also hear the side of Rep Alvarez," Bongalon said.

For his part, Alvarez said he was ready to face the investigation.

“I submit my case to the best judgement of the House Ethics Committee,” Alvarez told GMA Integrated News in a Viber message.

Last April, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla ordered an investigation to determine if  Alvarez's call to withdraw support from Marcos "has risen to the level of sedition or even rebellion."

For its part, the AFP and the PNP have already provided reassurance of their loyalty to the 1987 Constitution.

During a rally with former President Rodrigo Duterte in Tagum City last April, Alvarez called on the military organization to withdraw support from Marcos, expressing concerns regarding a possible war in the West Philippine Sea. — VDV, GMA Integrated News