Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V on Wednesday pushed back against irresponsible sweeping remarks against the House of Representatives, stressing that such statements unfairly cast doubt on the entire institution and undermine the integrity of its members.
Ortega, who also served as member of the House Quad Committee during the 19th Congress, underscored that fairness requires specificity and due process when raising serious concerns.
“As fellow public servants, we share the responsibility of upholding accountability while protecting the integrity of our institutions. Our only appeal—let us be clear and fair, so that innocent members are not placed under suspicion,” he said.
Ortega issued the statement amid ongoing investigations and calls for greater transparency regarding the multi-billion-peso flood control projects that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. flagged recently.
The lawmaker emphasized that any issues should be substantiated and raised before the proper channels, rather than presented in ways that cast a shadow over the whole legislature.
“Reputation must be separated from proof. If there are issues, let them be addressed in the proper forum with names, facts, and documents. Let us not allow the institution to be tarnished because of broad claims,” Ortega said.
The Deputy Speaker also said that lawmakers serve their districts with honesty and dedication and should not be unjustly affected by generalized criticism.
“Many of our colleagues in the Congress are serving their districts faithfully. They should not be unjustly affected by generalized criticism. Fairness demands that we separate the actions of a few from the reputation of the whole,” he added.
Ortega concluded his statement by reaffirming that the House remains firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and service to the Filipino people.
