ACT Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro | Image via her Facebook account
PASAY CITY, Philippines – ACT Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro denied putting pressure on former Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson by allegedly holding back the proposed budget of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) which prompted Uson to resign.
Castro said it was the Congressional panel, not her alone, that decided to defer the deliberation of the PCOO budget.
The lawmaker said she just wanted Uson to appear in the Congressional hearing to shed light on certain issues.
“Hindi pa niya kaya sagutin yung mga tanong na itatanong ng isang simpleng guro na naging kongresista na gaya ko? Kung humarap lang siya sa kumite sa plenaryo tiyak ko naman na masasagot niya ang isa sa mahalagang usapin. Kasi sa akin bilang public official alam naman natin na public official is a public trust kaya ang accountability pag nasa posisyon tayo sa gobyerno malaki ang inaasahan sa atin ng mga mamamayan,” Castro said.
Anak Pawis Representative Ariel Casilao, meanwhile, said Uson’s resignation opened an opportunity for her to showcase her principles should she decide to run in the coming election.
Casilao said he looks forward to debating with the resigned assistant secretary.
“Kung papalarin siya at kami ay papalaring makapasok, then we have all the venue to debate on issues on legislative matters. It’s a welcome development. Kung sa Senate man iyan o sa Kongreso mas makikita natin ang kalidad ng mga argumentong kaya niyang ihapag,” Casilao said.
“Undeniably, election season is coming and fast approaching. you can do all the gimmickry and antics para gamitin at i-maximize ang ganitong opportunity,” he added.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, said it was “too little, too late” for Uson to resign.
“It is an extremely belated gesture rendered insignificant in the face of gross incompetence, state-sponsored vulgarity and the proliferation of fake news,” she said.
Hontiveros said Uson left a “damaged” PCOO with a “tarnished reputation.” She called on Secretary Martin Andanar “to restore some sense of order to his office.” — Marje Pelayo (with reports from Bernard Dadis)
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