Observe inter-parliamentary courtesy, Pangilinan told

MANILA, Philippines — A senior administration lawmaker reminded opposition Sen. Francis Pangilinan about the time-honored inter-parliamentary courtesy among lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives, where they avoid interfering in the other’s legislative functions. 

“I cannot understand why (Pangilinan), who is a senator, is meddling in the affairs of the House. I would like to remind (him) of parliamentary courtesy, which we have religiously observed and given utmost importance,” House Deputy Speaker Prospero Pichay yesterday said. 

The Surigao del Sur lawmaker issued the statement following the senator’s scathing remarks against the decision of Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to designate House Deputy Speaker and Pangasinan Rep. Rosemarie Arenas as caretaker of Batanes. 

Arenas took over and replaced former speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. who was originally designated by ousted speaker Pantaleon Alvarez when Batanes Rep. Henedina Abad – wife of former budget secretary Florencio Abad – died a few years ago. 

Pangilinan, president of the opposition Liberal Party, viewed this as “petty vindictiveness and partisanship” on the part of Arroyo, saying she chose to “disrespect” the deceased’s memory by designating Arenas “without the benefit of any consultation.” 

Pichay reminded Pangilinan that designating caretakers is the Speaker’s choice. 

“I remember when (former Dinagat Islands Rep.) Ruben Ecleo was dropped from the roll by the House, his political nemesis Akbayan party-list Rep. Arlene Bag-ao (a member of the LP) was appointed caretaker of his district in (the) Dinagat Islands,” Pichay pointed out. 

“When (former Negros Occidental Rep.) Ignacio Arroyo died in 2012, the caretaker of his district was then speaker Belmonte. There is therefore no tradition to speak of. There is likewise no rule on the appointment,” Pichay added. 

Like Abad, Belmonte belongs to the LP, but is now identified with the majority coalition. 

“If I were Pangilinan, I would be very careful about accusing others of vindictiveness. (GMA) is leading the House and she has been very fairly treating members of the LP. So what vindictiveness is (Pangilinan) talking about?” Pichay asked. 

Belmonte, in a statement, concurred with Pichay, insisting that “it is unfair to accuse (GMA) of vindictiveness and partisanship.”

“(Arroyo) has a free hand in the choice of caretaker, duly considering the needs of the constituents of the lone legislative district of Batanes and my inability to continue performing my duty as such,” Belmonte said.

During his time as speaker, Belmonte said “the only hint of tradition or custom on the appointment of caretaker was that the deputy speaker covering the area would be designated as caretaker if the speaker himself or herself is unable to take on the role.”

“Since (Arroyo) has decided not to take on the (role) of caretaker, I believe it is appropriate for (Arenas), who represents Northern Luzon, to take on the role,” Belmonte said.