via Marita Moaje, Joy Gumatay
If Gov. Marcos has something to say, she should say it in Congress.
This according to Mindoro Oriental Rep. Paulino Salvador “Doy” Leachon , who on Thursday expressed frustration with Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos’ refusal to participate in the congressional inquiry looking into the irregularities invoking the province’s purchase of 115 vehicles worth 66.5 million pesos using proceeds from Ilocos Norte’s share in tobacco excise taxes.
“Gov. Marcos has been given numerous opportunities to present her side to Congress but she has repeatedly refused our invitations,” said Leachon, who said that Congress would give Gov. Marcos a venue to present evidence in her defense.
“She says she has proof that the transactions were above-board and consistent with the law; if that’s the case, then she can share these with us. She spoke for 30 minutes straight during her presscon, and we have no problem giving her an hour to speak if it will shed light on the irregularities we have discovered,” added the solon.
“Perhaps Gov. Imee prefers to speak in press conferences because it’s a one-way street; in Congress, she can be asked questions, issues can be further explored. Baka dito sya kinakabahan.”
The legislator said that Marcos’ dilatory tactics and constant efforts to dodge Congress reinforced suspsicions that the transactions of the province under her watch were questionable.
“If she is confident that she and her team did nothing wrong and everything is in order, then she has no reason to evade the summons of Congress. Governors have been invited to Congress before and they have participated in inquiries like these without fanfare or furor. Why should Gov. Imee any different? Does being a Marcos make her above the law? Sa pagkakalam ko, matagal nang tapos ang Marcos Dictatorship.”
Among incumbent governors who have appeared before Congress in the past are former Pampanga Gov. Mark Lapid, former former Bulacan Gov. Joselito Mendoza, and former Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas Sr.
Leachon, a lawyer who is a member of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability said that it was ironic that Marcos, who was once a member of Congress, would disrespect the institution she once served.
“If she loves the institution as she said, then she should accord it the respect it deserves. As a former legislator, she should recognize the mandate of Congress and should appreciate its power to call on individuals who can provide information it needs for investigations in aid of legislation,” said Leachon.
The congressman from the first district of Oriental Mindoro said that if Marcos wanted to find a culprit behind the problems now faced in the operations of the Ilocos Norte provincial government, “she should look in the mirror.”
“We have reached this point because Gov. Marcos has refused to cooperate with the inquiry. If she and her finance team cooperated with the inquiry, there would be no need to issue subpoenas, nor would there be a need to detain people. This is all on her for refusing to take responsibility for her actions,” lamented the solon.
“Umabot tayo dito dahil kay Gov. Marcos, hindi dahil sa Kongreso. Kailangan lang ni Gov. Marcos magpakita, magpaliwanag, makipag-usap; mahirap ba yun?”
