House ethics panel chair JC Abalos is pushing for the creation of an “Independent Office” where the public can directly lodge complaints against lawmakers who engage in unethical behavior, even outside Congress.
Inspired by similar U.S. mechanisms, the proposed non-partisan body would independently assess and recommend actions to the House ethics committee while ensuring no conflict of interest from relatives of sitting lawmakers.
Abalos said the move aligns with President Marcos Jr.’s call for higher standards among public officials, as emphasized in his recent SONA.
The proposal follows the controversy involving Rep. Nicanor Briones, who was caught watching online cockfighting during the SONA and subsequently lost his seat in the Commission on Appointments.
Abalos emphasized that all complaints submitted would be carefully vetted to filter out baseless accusations.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 5, 2025
