Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 28) — The House of Representatives on Tuesday denied claims that Speaker Martin Romualdez spent ₱1.8 billion for travel expenses in a year, calling them “unfounded and categorically false.”
“These allegations are a clear example of fake news, designed to mislead the public and tarnish the reputation of the Speaker and the entire House of Representatives as an institution,” said House Secretary General Reginald Velasco in a statement.
The lower chamber added that “such bloated amount for the Speaker’ s travel expenses does not exist.”
Although he did not specifically name the network, Velasco made the statement after a recent report by Sonshine Media Network International – which was founded by the controversial megachurch leader Apollo Quiboloy – claimed that Romualdez has spent such an amount just on travelling.
The House also approved a motion ordering the Committee on Legislative Franchises to conduct a hearing on SMNI’s report set on Nov. 30.
Quezon City 2nd district Rep. David Suarez said the television network must be held liable for their report.
“We demand immediate retraction and apology from those spreading fake lies,” he said in his privilege speech. “Furthermore, we are exploring other options to hold accountable those responsible for this smear campaign.”
