MANILA — Citizens can also conduct lifestyle checks on lawmakers, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said Thursday as more members of the House said they welcomed scrutiny of their wealth.
The statements come after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered lifestyle checks on government officials, starting with those in the Department of Public Works and Highways, which is currently mired in allegations of corruption in infrastructure projects.
Ridon, chair of the House Committee on Public Accounts, noted that some relatives of contractors and of members of Congress are already being criticized online for living lavish lifestyles.
"Lahat po ng mga resibo ng mga DPWH officials at kontratista sa social media ay talagang nalalahad po ngayon. So, I think in the same manner, puwede hong gawin ‘yan ng mga kababayan ho natin sa mga kongresista at senador," he said.
(All of the 'receipts' of DPWH officials and contractors are being exposed. I think citizens can also do that to House members and senators)
He pointed out that the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees requires officials to lead modest lives.
Under Republic Act No. 6713, public officials and employees "shall not indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form."
INDEPENDENT COMMISSION SUGGESTED
Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. meanwhile said he is in favor of the order and that and this should include even members of the judiciary.
He added that it would be better for an independent commission to look into corruption to avoid the impression of lawmakers covering for each other.
Marcos orders lifestyle check on all gov't officials amid probe into flood projects
"So, therefore, magkaroon tayo ng (let us have a) whole government approach in investigating this anomaly,” Abante said.
In a statement, CIBAC party-list Rep. Eddie Villanueva called the president’s directive “a long overdue anti-corruption mechanism."
Villanueva, a church leader and father of Sen. Joel Villanueva, said “genuine lifestyle checks is a potent deterrent against corruption and a constant reminder to all that public office is a public trust.”
The Office of the Ombudsman, which is still waiting for the appointment of a new head, has declined to comment on the President’s order.
A 'PR STUNT'
Ridon and Abante also defended the administration's investigation into flood control projects from criticism from Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, who called it a "PR stunt".
'Lead by example': Marcos, lawmakers urged to release SALNs amid lifestyle checks
Ridon said Duterte should come back to the Philippines because it is "very important for mayors to be present during times of crisis."
All four children of former President Rodrigo Duterte, including the Davao mayor, are visitng him at the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague, Netherlands this week.
Both Ridon and Abante then suggested the younger Duterte look into funding for flood control systems in Davao City and the Davao Region.
Abante said Acting Mayor Duterte should ask about infrastructure funding for Davao's 1st District, which is represented at the House by his brother Paolo Duterte.
“Magkano po ‘yung nakuha? I-reveal niya kung magkano, kung saan ginamit, kung saan ginamit ang pondong ‘yan. Kung papaano ginamit ‘yan, kung ilang bilyon ang napunta sa flood control project. At kung bakit malaki pa ang baha sa Davao,” Abante said.
(How much did they receive? He should reveal how much, where it was used and how many billions went into flood control projects. And if Davao is still prone to flooding)
Rep. Duterte said in a statement that all projects allocated to his district are “properly implemented and completed”, adding there are no ghost or non-existent projects in the district.
"Kung may baha man dito, humuhupa din agad hindi kagaya nga mga swimming pool niyo dyan sa lugar ninyo," Rep. Duterte added.
(If there is flooding, it subsides quickly, unlike the swimming pools you have in your districts)