Jalosjos to be dropped from House rolls

Convicted rapist-lawmaker Romeo Jalosjos will soon be known as an ex-congressman representing the first district of Zamboanga del Norte.

Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. announced yesterday that Jalosjos will soon be dropped from the roster of House members as soon as he receives a copy of the Supreme Court decision affirming a lower court judgment sentencing the Mindanao congressman to life in prison for raping a minor.

"This is sad for a colleague but the Supreme Court has made a decision and it has to be respected," he said.

A militant woman’s group, on the other hand, called for Jalosjos’ immediate expulsion from the House, and lauded the Supreme Court decision which it said was "long overdue."

"Over five years of waiting with active protest and lobbying for a final decision is too much for a young girl to bear. We rejoice with the victim and laud her strength. We hope that more victims find inspiration from her victory," said Emmi de Jesus, deputy secretary general of Gabriela.

Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said the removal of Jalosjos from the roster of members is ministerial on the part of the House and does not require a plenary or committee vote.

He said once the high court decision is received and the House acts on it, Jalosjos ceases to be a member and loses his salary and other entitlements, pork barrel and all the other privileges of a lawmaker.

As for the funds allocated for the convicted congressman’s district in the P781-billion 2002 budget, Gonzales said most probably, these would be released through De Venecia’s office.

The Speaker’s office would have to consult with local officials in the district for the projects to be funded, he said. – Jess Diaz