- Alvarez, lawyers move to defang House speaker, others
DAVAO del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez and three others filed a motion before the Office of the Ombudsman to suspend House Speaker Martin Romualdez along with representatives Mannix Dalipe, Elizaldy Co, Stella Luz Quimbo, and two John and Jane Does.
The respondents were accused of falsifying legislative documents under Article 170 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019) in relation to the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
Aside from Alvarez, the other complainants were Atty. Ferdinand S. Topacio, Atty. Virgilio R. Garcia, and Citizens Crime Watch national president Diego L. Magpantay.
The complainants alleged that the respondents, through their actions, have caused serious and substantial damage to the government, violating Sec. 3(e) of RA 3019. They argued that the evidence of guilt for dishonesty, oppression, or grave misconduct is strong, which could lead to removal from service.
Furthermore, they contended that allowing the respondents to continue holding office could prejudice the case filed against them.
The motion for preventive suspension cited Section 24 of Republic Act 6770 (The Ombudsman Act of 1989), which grants the Ombudsman the power to preventively suspend any officer or employee under its authority pending investigation.
The complainants are asking the Ombudsman to exercise this power to ensure the integrity of the investigation and prevent any potential influence or obstruction by the respondents.
The details of the alleged falsification and the specific roles of each respondent have not yet been publicly disclosed, as the case is still under investigation.
However, the legal action indicates a significant development that could have serious repercussions for the individuals involved. The Ombudsman’s office has yet to release a statement regarding the case.
