House quad committee chair Fernandez faces ethics complaint

MANILA, Philippines — The counsel of Cassandra Li Ong yesterday filed an ethics complaint against one of the co-chairmen of the House of Representatives quad committee for alleged conduct unbecoming of a lawmaker.

At a press conference, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio accused Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez of improper remarks directed toward him.

“Lawmakers are bound by the code of conduct, which states that a House member should act at all times in a manner that should reflect creditably on the lower chamber,” Topacio said.

Ong is one of the incorporators of Whirlwind Corp., which was linked to a Philippine offshore gaming operator hub in Porac, Pampanga.

“I was blocked by seven people to prevent me from approaching my client. Congressman Fernandez even said, ‘you will be cited in contempt.’ What kind of kangaroo court is that?” Topacio noted.

He said he filed the complaint against Fernandez not for revenge, but “to fight for my constitutional rights and to uphold the dignity of my profession… I just want to show some members of Congress that they cannot abuse their rights and privileges.”

Topacio accused Fernandez of sending text messages to Ong.

“He has been texting resource persons. He should not do that. He should not communicate with the witness,” Topacio said.