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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Abalos to form US-style independent House body to screen ethics complaints vs solons

Abalos to form US-style independent House body to screen ethics complaints vs solons

Published Aug 2, 2025 12:57 pm  |  Updated Aug 2, 2025 01:35 pm

At A Glance

  • House Ethics and Privileges Committee chairman, 4PS Party-list Rep. JC Abalos bared his plans to establish an independent body within the committee itself that will be similar to the United States' (US) process of investigating unethical behavior among House members.
House Ethics and Privileges Committee chairman, 4PS Party-list Rep. JC Abalos bared his plans to establish an independent body within the committee itself that will be similar to the United States' (US) process of investigating unethical behavior among House members.
Abalos, in an interview with House reporters on Friday, Aug. 2, said he would craft a policy for such a move, aimed at probing complaints or violations of the Code of Conduct of House members and their staff.

To ensure the non-political and non-partisan nature of the proposed independent body, he said its members owill be composed of individuals who are not part of any executive or judiciary branches.

They must not also be engaged with current contracts or agreements with the House; be individuals who are known lobbyists or be relatives of any incumbent House member, officer, or permanent employee within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity, he said.

Abalos gave assurance that he was one with Filipinos calling for all lawmakers to remain respectful members of the legislative branch and follow proper decorum inside and outside the House of Representatives. 

“Gusto kong ipaalala sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan na ako ay kakampi ninyo sa panawagan ng tamang asal at masusing pagsunod sa maayos na decorum o yung pag-uugali na ipinapakita at ikinikilos ng ating mga mambabatas, sa loob at labas ng Kongreso (I want to assure my fellow Filipinos that I’m one with you in your call for a proper behavior and right decorum that our congressmen must show),” Abalos said.

Abalos’ Committee on Ethics and Privileges is responsible for all matters related to the duties, conduct, rights, privileges and immunities, dignity, integrity and reputation of the House of Representatives and its members.

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