House Leadership Faces Distrust From Public: Cong. Albee

Calls for a change in House leadership are intensifying amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding flood control projects that has led to a growing distrust from the general public, Bacolod lone district Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, said.

“It has reached a point where I think we need to really change the House leadership because of the distrust of the general public,” Benitez said in an interview with Bacolod newsmen Saturday.

Benitez said that the issue forced Rep. Toby Tiangco to present his findings to the Senate, highlighting the depth of concern.

Pressed to comment on Tiangco’s endorsement for him to become House Speaker, Benitez said there is a need for a collective decision.

“Again, it should be a collegiate decision on what the majority of our colleagues in Congress want. That is what we should follow,” he pointed out.

Benitez stressed the importance of integrity and accountability in the next House Speaker.

“We need a person who can cleanse the House. He has to have the integrity, the credibility, to bring those accountable to justice. And if we can recover anything, we must pursue that,” Benitez said, noting the widespread public awareness on the issues.

He added that, “the public, all citizens of the Philippines, the Filipinos themselves are revealing what they know.”

Addressing the possibility of being pushed to become House Speaker, Benitez expressed reservations.

“Well, frankly, if I were to look at it, it is not the right time to be in Congress. Everyone views us as thieves who are involved in the anomalies, and whoever is in Congress right now feels the heat,” he said.

Benitez added, “But it needs somebody—I am not saying it’s me—somebody who can cleanse the dirt being thrown at Congress and turn around the public image of our members in Congress.”

Benitez acknowledged that many of his colleagues in the House are aware of the situation but remain silent for their own reasons.

“In all my conversations, of course, some are quiet, obviously for their own reasons, but my colleagues in Congress are not blind; they see it everywhere they go,” the congressman said.

Benitez suggested that a change in leadership is imminent.

Asked on whether the Speaker will step down, he said, “I think it is just a matter of time that it will happen… I don’t think his position is tenable. He has to make a supreme sacrifice.”*