Zambales’ Diaz faces peer probe

The House of Representatives’ ethics committee will soon begin its investigation of Zambales Rep. Antonio Diaz of the Liberal Party following a formal complaint from 24 neophyte congressmen seeking Diaz’s censure for maligning the chamber.

In their complaint to ethics committee head Bohol Rep. Roberto Cajes, the lawmakers asked the panel to look into the basis of Diaz’s derogatory statement in his "pseudo-resignation letter" to Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., which Diaz later withdrew.

"We do believe in democracy at work in this Congress, where everyone has the right to air his views and opinions, but not to the extent of maligning its reputation as part of the main branches of the government," their complaint said.

"If after proper investigation of the said statement is declared unfounded, we ask the ethics committee to impose the necessary sanction as may deemed appropriate," it said.

They said they did not expect Diaz, a senior member of the House "once respected during the past Congress," would pull off a "publicity stunt" at the expense of the institution.

Diaz tendered his resignation on Sept. 13, saying "it is no longer honorable to serve in the House." He, however, withdrew his resignation the same day.

House leaders disclosed that Diaz, who was once mired in a controversy over huge restaurant bills that he racked and charged to the House, was disgruntled for not being given the senior post of deputy speaker for Luzon in the chamber.

Those who filed the complaint were Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara, Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio Arroyo, Pampanga Rep. Anna Bondoc, Valenzuela Rep. Jose Emmanuel Carlos, Laguna Rep. Justin Chipeco, Maguindanao Rep. Bai Sendig Dilangalen, Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin, Iloilo City Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr., Pasig Rep. Robert Jaworski, Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Marañon, Isabela Rep. Anthony Miranda and Cavite Rep. Crispin Remulla.

Remulla said Diaz made a mockery of the legislature. "I wish his resignation were irrevocable," he said.

Abalos said Diaz should make a public apology.

De Venecia confirmed in a radio interview last Monday that Diaz lobbied for the senior post. "But I told him that this matter is for the majority to decide," he said. "It’s not something within the power of the speaker."

Diaz has to be nominated to the post by his party, De Venecia explained. — Paolo Romero