Two lawmakers on Monday filed an ethics complaint against senatorial aspirant and AGRI party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee over his alleged threats during the House 2025 budget deliberations.
Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo and Barangay Health Workers party-list Rep. Nica Co filed the complaint in connection with the September 25 incident, which occurred on the last day of budget deliberations at the House of Representatives.
Quimbo recalled Lee approaching her and pointing his finger at her before saying in Filipino, “I will make a scene if you do not allow me to speak.”
She said the incident caused emotional distress to her and Co: “From my perspective, his actions, particularly, his moving forward with his hand and eye movement — were an attempt to assault. My instinct was to duck behind the podium for my own safety. I felt physically threatened.”
“This is also about unparliamentary behavior. There are many microphones available in the plenary. There are rules on how to go about raising a point of order. There are also rules on how many times a legislator is allowed to interpellate. And there are rules on how to appeal to presiding officer. This is how order is maintained on the floor. Any member of Congress is expected to know this,” Quimbo said.
Meanwhile, Lee said he did not intend to hurt or bully his fellow legislators.
“We respect it (the filing of ethics complaint) as this is well within the rights of our fellow legislators,” Lee said, adding he will explain his side once summoned by the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
