Pichay files ethics complaint against Barbers over near fistfight

MANILA, Philippines — Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr. filed an ethics complaint against Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers over a near fist fight at the House of Representatives last month.

Pichay asked the House Committee on Ethics to impose disciplinary action against Barbers.

"Rep. Barber's acts constitute a disorderly behavior and therefore can be considered a dishonorable act not only against me but the entire institution which is the House of Representatives," Pichay said in his complaint.

According to Pichay, Barbers violated Section 138, paragraph (a) of Rule XIX of the House which states that members shall "act at all times in a manner that shall reflect creditably on the House."

Pichay stressed that Barber's act was the complete opposite of being creditable as he did not conduct himself in such manner.

"To reiterate, creditably is defined in the dictionary as someone good to bring esteem or praise; that someone is expected to bring credit, honor, reputation, or esteem," Pichay said.

During a hearing on the proposal to shift the nation to a federal system last October 13, the two lawmakers almost exchanged blows.

Pichay suggested to invite senators to vote together to resolve the issue of amending the Charter, which prompted Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado to suspend the hearing.

Frustrated over the failure of Mercado to proceed to a vote, Barbers called the proposal of Pichay "stupid and senseless."

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez had said that he felt embarrassed for his feuding colleagues.

"They are old enough to know what they did. It should not happen again," Alvarez said.