Bello could face ethics probe over GMA tirade

MANILA, Philippines - Lawmakers crossed party lines yesterday to condemn Akbayan party-list Rep. Walden Bello for his “unparliamentary” remarks against Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in his privilege speech Monday and may bring the issue before the ethics panel.

Arroyo’s first day at the House of Representatives was met by Bello’s scathing attack for her alleged “orgiastic compensation, brazen manipulation of government agencies and fund for political purposes, and massive waste of people’s money” during her nine-year administration.

Bello also described Arroyo’s subordinates as behaving “like pigs” with her as their model “on how to behave with impunity.”

He said the former president must be hauled from “this august chamber to jail.”

Arroyo left just before Bello could deliver his privilege speech but attended yesterday’s session and did not look like she was smarting from the events that transpired the day before.

She even waved to reporters but did not give any interviews.

Elena Bautista-Horn, Arroyo’s spokesperson, said she has not yet spoken with her boss about the incident but added that the lawmaker would just focus on her job as Pampanga congresswoman.

Ethics investigation looms

Lawmakers that included Davao del Sur Rep. Marc Douglas Cagas and Navotas City Rep. Tobias Tiangco called for the striking of the offending and unparliamentary remarks from the records immediately after Bello’s privilege speech.

Cagas said it would be up to Arroyo if she wants to file an ethics case against Bello.

He said allowing House members to use abusive language against fellow lawmakers could set a precedent that could result in the disregard for parliamentary procedures and courtesies in Congress.

“This is something bigger than (Arroyo). This is about parliamentary conduct and rules,” Cagas told reporters.

Boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao supported moves to have Bello investigated by the ethics committee.

“If we talk like this, the image of the entire House would be affected. She is a former president and a congresswoman and served the country so she deserves our respect,” Pacquiao said.

Majority leader Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali Gonzales II reminded his colleagues to observe the rules of decorum and debate.

“She (Arroyo) should know this is part of the territory, as a former legislator and a veteran politician. She knows this is going to happen, but let us observe decorum,” he said.

Siquijor Rep. Orlando Fua, who is expected to head the ethics committee, said the panel has yet to be formed but the deed should not go unpunished.

“This is not a marketplace. We are all presumed to be gentlemen. We must also give due respect to seniority or those who have occupied a high position. No gentleman will openly hit his colleague. It is not as if the nation does not owe her anything. His language was vulgar and this should not go unpunished. We don’t want him expelled because he has something to contribute to the nation but this must not go unpunished because what we do here reflects our character as a nation before the international community,” Fua said.

Mikey: We’re not on the same page

Arroyo’s son, Ang Galing Pinoy party-list Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo said he does not intend to get back at Bello because he was taught by his parents to “behave.”

“I would not retaliate because I was not raised like that. I would not engage him in a heated exchange of words… I don’t know the reaction of my mother,” he said.

Bello, however, challenged his critics “to bring it on” and said he would not take back what he said.

He said he wanted to make the point that Arroyo is not welcome in the House.

Bacolod Rep. Anthony Golez, who was Arroyo’s spokesman at the Palace but is now with the House majority, said Bello’s remarks were unfair to congressmen who served in the Arroyo Cabinet.