Party-list lawmaker accused of harassment anew

MANILA, Philippines - An Waray party-list Rep. Florencio “Bem” Noel is facing another case of harassment and intimidation with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Bernardino Hidalgo, a resident of San Jose, Tacloban City, filed the complaint before the Comelec office in Tacloban City last April 27.

In his sworn statement, Hidalgo said he was buying cigarette at a neighborhood store at around 10 a.m. when Noel shouted at him and accused him of tailing his group.

He said Noel’s bodyguard, SPO2 Narciso Sale Repollo,  also pointed a gun at him, while the other bodyguards of the congressman surrounded him.

Hidalgo said several people, including some pedicab drivers, witnessed the incident. He said not only his family, but also the residents of Barangay 88 were gripped by fear because of the incident.

Local radio station dyBR broadcaster Manuel Marta earlier filed a harassment case against Noel after the lawmaker, accompanied by armed men, allegedly stormed the radio booth on April 26.

Noel allegedly grabbed the microphone from Marta and demanded airtime to refute the issues being hurled against him.