Read this in The Manila Times digital edition.
FOR some time now, two committees of the House of Representatives have been conducting hearings in aid of legislation on the provincial government of Cagayan. While the committees have no prosecutorial powers, the hearings are eminently useful in bringing to light the abuse of power and misuse of public monies — including the release of "ayuda" meant to alleviate the plight of the poor floored by the pandemic — during the election period and the withdrawal of millions of pesos, handled by lackeys in the provincial government who, though bonded, were authorized to deal with far lower amounts. The committees of the House of Representatives, their chairpersons and members, are to be lauded for their diligence at ferreting out facts hidden from the people of Cagayan, such as the scandalous amounts paid to Bombo Radyo in Tuguegarao for a radio program at which the provincial governor hurled vituperation, insult and slander at his enemies — real or perceived — at government expense. For some time, it seemed that no one could stop him, although to its credit the Sanggunian Panlalawigan has firmly stood in the way of his rampage, thanks to the courageous leadership of Vice Gov. Boy Vargas. It was Rep. Joseph Lara of the third district of Cagayan who initiated the hearings and who mustered the evidence of shocking abuse and malfeasance.
There are matters of constitutional law that I wish to point out in relation to these hearings:
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