Speaker orders probe of 3 lawmakers on narco-list

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez had ordered an internal investigation on the three congressmen – two from Luzon and one from Mindanao – who have been included in President Duterte’s list of government officials linked to illegal drugs.

House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, tasked by Alvarez to do the discreet probe, said he talked to one of the lawmakers who was surprised to learn that he was dragged into the controversy.

The congressman suspected to have been using drugs, however, maintained his innocence.

Fariñas refused to disclose the names of the concerned lawmakers despite calls from other legislators to identify those who were included in Duterte’s so-called narco-list since it would be unfair to do so until the House leadership has concluded its own investigation and validation.

Administration lawmaker Rep. Ruffy Biazon of Muntinlupa City said the concerned congressmen should be expelled once they are proven guilty of using illegal drugs after they have aired their side or after due process has been observed.

“The leadership of the House could initiate action to expel the incumbent members. The Constitution and the rules of the House provide for such a penalty. However, due process must be observed before a member will be penalized,” he said.

“Inclusion of members in a list without the support of evidence gathered through proper investigation is not and should not be a basis for expulsion,” the former Customs commissioner during the time of ex-president Benigno Aquino III said.

Negros Oriental Rep. Arnulfo Teves Jr. also urged the House leadership to look into the veracity of the information that three lawmakers were included in Duterte’s narco-list.

“The House should verify and make sanctions if evidence warrants. Similarly, if the police or judicial department finds enough evidence, then let the cases be filed in courts,” Teves said, a selfconfessed former drug user but who has since mended his ways.

At the same time, Teves also asked Alvarez to divulge the identities of the erring lawmakers so as not to tarnish the image of the House of Representatives as an institution.

“Also with regard to tarnishing of the House’s name, it would be best to name personalities to save the rest of members from being suspects,” he said.