MANILA, Philippines – It all began with a solemn prayer led by Sarangani Province Rep. Manny Pacquiao. But when Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Dato Arroyo stood up, things turned sour.
Dato defended his mother, former President and now Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, from what he considered “unparliamentary” remarks made by Akbayan Citizens’ Action (Akbayan) party-list Rep. Walden Bello. Bello denounced Mrs. Arroyo last week for allegedly tolerating corruption during her 9-year rule as President.
A verbal sparring ensued, pitting Arroyo against Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño and San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito on Monday.
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In an unexpected turn of events, Pacquiao stood up to make a manifestation.
“Masyado nang naantala o nade-delay sa ating mga pag-uusapan dahil sa isyu na ‘yan,” said the champion boxer and neophyte congressman. “Sa tingin ko we have to move on.”
In his speech, Dato said Bello’s statements were uncalled for.
He said his mother’s camp has already answered issues raised by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, including matters involving the calamity fund, the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and National Food Authority (NFA).
He also said that Mrs. Arroyo is not out to antagonize the Aquino administration.
“Para sa isang anak, anuman ang katayuan sa buhay o sa lipunan, nakapanghihilakbot ang pambabastos sa kaniyang ina,” said Dato.
“Walang ginawang pakikipagtunggali ang ating dating pangulo sa kasalukuyang pamunuan,” he added.
‘Leave it to the Truth Commission’
Responding to Dato’s statements, Casiño said the former President's son should not be defensive when confronted with the truth.
“Naunawaan ko sentimyento ng mga kasama subalit sa represnetasyong ito, may mga bagay na dapat sabihin. Truth has to be told. Sometimes the truth hurts,” Casiño remarked.
Mrs. Arroyo had already left the Session Hall when Casiño made the privilege speech.
Ejercito, meantime, said Mrs. Arroyo should not hide under the mantle of congressional immunity.
According to Ejercito, she already used presidential immunity for almost a decade.
“Huwag naman sana ngayon na pati ang congressional immunity ang ating gagamitin. Tayo ay nasa demokrasya. Kung sabi nga ni Noynoy, kailangan nating malaman ang katotohan,” stated Ejercito.
For Pacquiao, he believes that the Truth Commission, and not the Lower House, should deal with the allegations against Arroyo.
Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, for his part, added that he has been waiting for the House of Representatives to get down to business.
“Sa totoo lang, kaming mga baguhan ay parang naiinip na. Parang wala pang nangyayari eh,” he said.