Pichay files ethics complaint vs Barbers

Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay filed yesterday an ethics complaint against fellow Mindanao lawmaker, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, for unparliamentary conduct after they nearly engaged in a fistfight during a House panel deliberations on Charter change.

In a nine-page complaint filed with the House ethics committee, Pichay accused Barbers of violating the House rules on code of conduct.

“Barbers’ actions constitute a disorderly behavior and can be considered a dishonorable act,” Pichay said in the complaint filed before the panel chaired by Agri party-list Rep. Delphine Lee.

Pichay added that Barbers’ acts “were the complete opposite of being creditable as he did not conduct himself in a manner that is befitting to his stature as a member of the House.”

Barbers, who chairs the House committee on dangerous drugs, said he is also preparing a complaint against Pichay.

During the Oct. 12 hearing, Barbers branded as “stupid and senseless” Pichay’s proposal to invite senators to the House of Representatives before voting on what mode to use to amend the Constitution.

Barbers approached and confronted Pichay, with the two ending up hurling expletives at each other.

Barbers pointed a finger at Pichay, who parried his fellow lawmaker’s arm.