Caloocan council’s majority leader faces probe

MANILA, Philippines — The Caloocan City council’s majority floor leader was removed from her post last week and now faces an investigation over her outburst during a recent special session.

The council’s committee on ethics and discipline is set to probe Councilor Rose Mercado.

In a privilege speech on Wednesday, District 1 Councilor Dean Asistio presented a video clip in which Mercado was seen “shouting” and “hurling invectives” during the session.

“It is sad to note that those who were formerly supporting Mayor Oscar Malapitan are now the ones who are now against him. They are saying this is all about principle, but where is your principle when you have abandoned the person you have followed for a long time?” Asistio said.

Asistio also criticized District 2 Rep. Edgar Erice for allegedly interfering in the internal affairs of the city council.

“At this time of pandemic and unprecedented and untold economic hardships, this is not the time for us to engage in politics and think of our personal ambitions,” he said.

Asistio said that in a resolution signed by 10 of the council’s 14 members, Mercado was ousted “because she allowed politics to take precedence over public service.”

He noted that the resolution was issued prior to Mercado’s submission of a letter resigning as majority floor leader.

Mercado said her outburst was her reaction after she and other opposition councilors were not recognized during previous sessions.

Another councilor, who refused to be named, alleged that Mercado “jumped ship” after she was rejected as Rep. Dale Malapitan’s vice mayoral candidate in the 2022 elections.

The mayor’s son will be running for the city’s top post against Erice.