A House of Representatives official has pushed back against claims that a large number of lawmakers are involved in corruption, urging Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to provide evidence and identify specific individuals instead of making broad accusations.
The House prosecution panel spokesperson Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said it is “unfair and irresponsible” to generalize corruption allegations against more than 300 members of the chamber, stressing that lawmakers should be judged on an individual basis and based on evidence.
The statement came after Magalong reportedly claimed that around 90 percent of House members are corrupt, an assertion he linked to what he described as systemic issues within the institution.
House officials said that while they recognize anti-corruption advocacy efforts, allegations must be supported by facts and directed at specific persons to uphold fairness and due process.
They added that public officials carry the responsibility of ensuring that statements made against individuals or institutions are precise and evidence-based, particularly when such claims are made in public forums.
The House also pointed to its ongoing congressional inquiries and committee hearings as part of its efforts to investigate alleged irregularities and promote accountability within government institutions.
Officials reiterated that due process must guide any accusation, emphasizing that serious claims should be backed by verifiable evidence before being presented as fact.