MANILA – Malacañang has distanced itself from the removal of Ako Bikol party-list’s Rep. Elizaldy Co as chairperson of the House of Representatives’’ Committee on Appropriations.
According to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Malacañang being the executive department does not dwell with the movements in the legislative branch.
“I have no opinion on that. That’s the discretion of Congress,” Bersamin said in an interview. “Wala, wala kaming kuwan (kinalaman) diyan kasi executive kami.”
Co vacated the position after presidential son, Ilocos Norte 1st District’s Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos (also the House Senior Deputy Majority Leader) made a motion to declare the post vacant during the plenary session on Monday.
No objections were heard from the members of the House when the presidential son declared the post vacant.
Co claimed in a statement that he had stepped down for health reasons, saying that his role as chair of the House Committee on Appropriations has taken a toll on his health.
“There is a need to prioritize seeking the medical attention necessary for my well-being,” Co said.
Marikina City’s Rep. Stella Quimbo has been designated acting chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations./PN
