Diokno, De Lima: Disclose interests in flood probe

Two minority lawmakers urged members of the House committees probing flood control project anomalies to fully disclose their financial or business interests that may be affected by the inquiry.

- JOSE RODEL CLAPANO

Citing House rules, the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and the Constitution, Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno said the tri-committee must not proceed with its inquiry unless all members first disclose their financial and business interests.

He recalled Sen. Panfilo Lacson's statement that at least 67 House members of the 19th Congress were running construction firms that benefited from projects they funded.

"Given this revelation, Mr. Chair... we need to assure the public that this investigation will not be a whitewash," Diokno said.

ML party-list Rep. Leila de Lima backed Diokno's call, warning that conflict of interest in the inquiry is "real and it will shape how this inquiry is seen or perceived."

"Nemo judex in causa sua. No one should be a judge in their case," she said. "Imagine a whistleblower... holding back the truth because the very politician he fears is seated at the panel. Imagine contractors trimming their testimony, careful not to offend a powerful member whose signature they need for the next project."