Congressmen used to hunger strikes, says Parañaque City 2nd district Rep. Gus Tambunting
Parañaque City 2nd district Rep. Gus Tambunting seemingly brushed off the hunger strike being carried out by SMNI program anchors Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz and Lorraine Badoy, saying that it is their prerogative and that their decision is respected.
The hunger strike, now on its third day, is being staged by Celiz and Badoy inside their detention area at the House of Representatives. The detention of the two anchors was ordered by the Tambunting-chaired House Committee on Legislative Franchises last December 5 after being cited in contempt by the panel members.
The citation stemmed from the duo’s apparent refusal to tell the truth during the committee hearing that delved into possible franchise violations of SMNI. As a result, Celiz and Badoy could remain in House custody until early next year.
When asked if the hunger strike could influence the House panel into releasing them, Tambunting said it is a committee decision and there are many in the committee who are used to such protests.
Tambunting also mentioned that he does not know the purpose of the hunger strike and cannot answer what their intentions are, or if it is done to persuade the committee.
Celiz and Badoy, co-anchors of “Laban Kasama Ang Bayan” daily program on SMNI, had alleged on November 27 that House Speaker Martin Romualdez had spent P1.8 billion on his travels. However, the Tambunting panel proved this to be fake news in a hearing three days later when Celiz was confronted with records from the House financial department.
For more information, visit: https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/8/the-simple-reason-why-celiz-can-t-invoke-the-sotto-law
