MALACANANG reminded Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales that she “cannot arrogate the power of Congress” to dismiss Cebu City Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia from her post, Malacanang said on Monday night. Roque said that only the House of Representatives convened in plenary and by a two-thirds vote could dismiss Garcia from her post. “It is also unfortunate that the decision of the Ombudsman was released at a time when such actions could be given political color. Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said that he would not implement the order of the Ombudsman because he would be violating the Constitution if he did. In fact, it is not within the power of the Ombudsman to discipline, much more to remove any member of the House of Representatives,” Alvarez said.

Source: Manila Times February 13, 2018 08:48 UTC