November 9, 2009

NEWS RELEASE

Anakpawis Rep. Joel Maglunsod today demanded the House of Representatives leadership to explain the alleged background checking ordered by Congress Sergeant-At-Arms Ret. Brig.Gen Horacio Lactao on one of his legislative staff, Maureen Hermitanio.

Last October 24, 26, 28 and November 3, two unidentified men, went looking for Hermitanio, at her residence in San Mateo, Rizal and insisted to talk to her for background investigation allegedly ordered by Brig. Gen. Lactao. The men, in plainclothes, repeatedly refused to give any identification and leave the documents on the alleged background check order, initially presented themselves as members of the San Mateo Police.

In all instances, they stressed that the background checking was ordered by Brig. Gen. Lactao and needed for Hermitanio’s work in Congress. The men are also looking for several other congressional staff members of party-list organizations based on a list in their possession.

Last November 5, Hermitanio, together with Maglunsod’s Chief Political Affairs Officer Lualhati Roque and Anakpawis staff Ofelia Beltran-Balleta confronted the police agent who was identified as PO1 Bonifacio Dela Cruz. He named his companion as PO2 Ireneo Descaya. Dela Cruz said they were just following orders from San Mateo Police Chief Intelligence Officer Michael Angeles.

It was only then that Anakpawis discovered that conduct of background investigation (CBI) order was based on a memorandum from the Philippine National Police (PNP) CALABARZON Regional Office dated July 22 and a letter request from HOR Sgt-At-Arms Horacio Lactao dated July 1 addressed to the PNP, a memorandum from a certain TDI dated July 3, and an action slip from the Office of Chief PNP dated July 1, 2009 as part of the preparation for the opening of Congress’ 3rd regular session and President Arroyo’s SONA last July.

Other partylist congressional staff included in the order were Tony C. Rom, Agnes Marcell C. Lorenzana, Teresa C. Del Rosario, all residents of Rizal province.

Rep. Maglunsod attempted several times to personally confirm the 'CBI order' with Gen. Lactao but the latter was on leave according to Legislative Security Bureau personnel.

“We need to know if there is indeed an order from Sgt-At-Arms Lactao for the conduct of background investigation on Hermitanio and other congressional staff of either partylist House members or district representatives,“ the Anakpawis solon said.

“We strongly condemn this case of harassment and invasion of privacy against Ms. Hermitanio and Anakpawis Partylist,” Maglunsod said as he noted the suspicious timing of the surveillance activity with barely weeks before the deadline of the filing of candidacy for the 2010 national elections.

“We will file a house resolution to investigate this case and we also expect Sgt-At-Arms Lactao and House Speaker Prospero Nograles to answer and address this issue.”

Maglunsod added, “It is crucial and imperative to know if Congress is giving out personal information like name, address and other details of its employees and congressional staff to non-civilian entities like the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and if the HOR is in coordination with such institutions regarding surveillance activities on House Members, as well as congressional staff and employees.“

“The House leadership must look into this matter with due diligence as it is the duty of Congress to protect and look after the welfare and security of all its employees.”

The solon’s office already sought legal advice and will take legal actions on the matter. Maglunsod said they are also considering filing a complaint before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

Hermitanio is employed as Maglunsod’s Political Affairs Officer II since April 2009. She also previously worked as a legislative staff and researcher of Rep. Rafael Mariano and as public information officer of the late Rep. Crispin Beltran. She is also a former consultant of the Congressional Oversight Committee on Labor and Employment (COCLE). She is an advocate of labor rights, an active technology blogger and writes for various online publications. ###