Greg: "Capitol committee has no right to investigate me"

CEBU, Philippines – The Capitol committee on discipline and investigation (Codi) has started Tuesday its investigation on whether Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez Jr. has liability over the accident involving his service vehicle that occurred on a late Sunday evening.

Sanchez, however, said such committee has no right to investigate him since he is not a member of the executive department.

Committee chairman Lito Astillero had disclosed that they will be "seeking answers" from Sanchez.

"If he is going to do that, he is so funny. My boss is not the governor or Lito Astillero. It's the Cebuanos and I am not under them. I would like to ask, what is his position in the government? Is he now the court of justice?" asked Sanchez, reiterating his stand on separation of powers.

The vehicular accident happened at 9:50 in the evening of August 29 along the national highway of Barangay Owak, Asturias. The Mitsubishi Strada of the vice governor's office with plate number SJC 600 driven by Jonathan Pepito hit a minor who was walking on the edge of the concrete road.

Both the vehicle and the minor were heading south.

According to Astillero, they found a discrepancy in the driver's trip ticket after they identified Melvin Icot as driver for the trip and not Pepito who is the authorized representative of Sanchez's office.

Astillero told reporters that they are now trying to determine if the use of the government vehicle for the trip was intended for a private purpose.

"They… also failed to follow the procedures," said the lawyer.

He said the Codi is not directly investigating Sanchez, but is investigating the drivers involved under the vice governor's office. But, if in the course of the investigation, they will find any ground to include Sanchez, they will do so in their conclusion and recommendation.

Sanchez, however, said Astillero and the governor are trying to expand their dictatorship. He had been complaining about what he described as harassment and terrorism from the executive.

"Why don't they investigate what happened in the provincial jail? The PB is asking a copy of their investigation but they did not submit and besides, I am not the driver. Wala ko diha, unya dili akoy nakaligis and then the driver has settled already regarding sa nahitabo, what else do they want? Except for publicity, they are just trying to make issues on the vice governor, wa jud silay laing nakita," said Sanchez.

Summons will be sent to Pepito and Icot, who will be required to submit affidavits. (FREEMAN)