House: Probe on flood control projects will be fair
Abante made the response when asked if the House had the standing to conduct the probe on flood control projects, given that Senator Panfilo Lacson earlier said that around 80 lawmakers are contractors in anomalous government projects, including those involving flood-control.
The senator, however, did not provide names of the lawmakers supposedly doubling as contractors of failed and 'ghost' flood projects.
'The number he mentioned, 80...as of now, there are more than 300 members of the House with varied political positions and opinions. That is the beauty of the House of Representatives. So yes, I believe that the House can be credible in their investigation,' Abante told reporters.
'Everybody here is encouraged to participate in the hearings and will await for the next hearings to be held. The House will be consistent that it will be faithful to its mandate under the law and to the people," Abante added.
Likewise, Abante said that she has no information on lawmakers doubling as contractors as Lacson did not name them to begin with.
'I don't have information on supposed contractors since Senator Lacson did not expound on it,' Abante said.
Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts which will investigate the flood control projects, earlier said that Lacson should provide the names.
'In the spirit of transparency and fairness, Senator Lacson should name the House members who are allegedly undertaking government contracts during their term of office,' Ridon, a lawyer, said.
'Direct or indirect financial interest in any contract granted by any government agency is constitutionally prohibited and punishable by existing graft laws,' Ridon added.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 28, issued a stern warning on government personnel who steal public funds, such as those for flood control projects, even going as far saying 'Mahiya naman kayo.' (Have some shame.)
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