DAVAO CITY – The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) urged Congress to investigate the alleged bribery of congressmen to ensure the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
Manila Standard reporter Christine Herrera wrote the story on the alleged P440-million bribe for lawmakers. Herrera on Tuesday appeared before the House of Representatives where she was threatened by Representative Elpidio Barzaga to be cited for contempt if she will not reveal her sources.
The NUPL said the incident is the latest attack on press freedom.
“The issue is about corruption and the misuse of power. [Rep. Barzaga’s] reported threat to cite [Herrera] for contempt, which carries the veiled threat to detain her until she reveals her sources, is a crazy attempt to deflect attention from a story about corruption in the highest levels of government: in Congress and in Malacanang,” said Atty. Edre Olalia, secretary general of the NUPL.
“The Constitution gave Congress the power to investigate abuses of the law, but it was meant to aid legislation. It was certainly not meant to be used against a journalist who wrote about alleged corruption in the House,” said Olalia.
Olalia said Congress can use its powers to investigate the alleged bribery.
“Congress, as an institution, has the power to subpoena documents and summon witnesses. It can, on its own, prove or disprove the allegations of bribery that Ms. Herrera wrote about,” he said.
