Solon hits Pangilinan meddling

Calls Liberals ‘champions of vengeance’

A ranking administration congressman yesterday railed against Sen. Kiko Pangilinan’s alleged meddling into the affairs of the House of Representatives, reminding the Liberal Party senator to observe parliamentary courtesy.

House Deputy Speaker and Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay chided Pangilinan for accusing former President now House Speaker Gloria M. Arroyo of “petty vindictiveness and partisanship” in connection with the removal of former House Speaker and Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr. as caretaker of the lone district of Batanes.

Pangasinan Rep. Rosemary Arenas has been appointed to replace Belmonte in overseeing the affairs of the congressional district as a result of the death last Oct. 8 of Rep. Henedina Abad, wife of former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad.

Pichay said that being the LP president, Pangilinan should be the last person to accuse Arroyo of vindictiveness and partisanship in executing her mandate as House leader.

“Everybody knows the kind of vindictiveness and partisanship they perpetuated when they were in power as they made sure Speaker GMA was put in detention while continuously blaming her for the problems of their administration,” stressed Pichay. “If I were Pangilinan, I would be very careful about accusing others of vindictiveness because I think the champions of vengeance are the Liberals,” he stated.

Belmonte has slammed Pangilinan for his criticism of Arroyo, pointing out that the LP president was wrong in claiming that the House Speaker veered away from House tradition by appointing Arenas in his stead.

“Arroyo has a free hand in the choice of caretaker, duly considering the needs of the constituents of the lone legislative district of Batanes and my inability to continue performing my duty as such,” declared Belmonte.

The former LP national president added: “It is unfair to accuse Speaker GMA of vindictiveness and partisanship.”