When lawbreakers are lawmakers

As we write this column, the media have just reported that the Sandiganbayan has ordered the 90-day suspension of incumbent Muntinlupa Rep. Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon over graft charges in connection with the multibillion-peso pork-barrel scam.

Biazon, a former commissioner of the Bureau of Customs, was charged by the Department of Justice with misusing his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocations during his first term as representative in 2007 and channeling these to one of the nongovernmental organizations identified with alleged pork-barrel queen Janet Lim-Napoles.

Biazon allegedly endorsed P3 million of his PDAF allocations to the Philippine Social Foundation Inc., with the now-defunct Technology Resource Center as the implementing agency.

He was likewise charged with direct bribery for allegedly receiving P1.95 million in kickbacks from alleged ghost projects. He pleaded not guilty to the charges last month.

Biazon is one of the first casualties among those closely allied with former President Noynoy Aquino to bear the brunt of the ongoing probe into the pork-barrel scam.

It is common knowledge that Biazon, a stalwart of the-then ruling Liberal Party, was appointed by close friend Aquino on the basis of political affiliation, and not because he was qualified due to his background and field of expertise.

The 90-day preventive suspension was slapped by the Sandiganbayan against Biazon who was indicted by the Office of the Ombudsman after finding probable cause for malversation, graft and direct bribery over the alleged pork-barrel scam.

In a resolution, the anti-graft court’s Seventh Division, composed of Associate Justices Zaldy V. Trespeses, Alexander G. Gesmundo and Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta,

granted the motion of the prosecution panel to suspend the solon pending the hearing of his case.

Biazon would be stripped of his benefits and salaries for the duration of the suspension and he would not be allowed to do his official function as a lawmaker.

Also ordered suspended for three months were Budget and Management Undersecretary Mario Relampagos and his staffers Rosario Nunez, Lalaine Paule and Marilou Bare.

Biazon had earlier questioned the suspension provided for under Section 13 of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. But the court said his misgivings did “not change the law and jurisprudence as it now stands.”

It will be recalled that Biazon was pressured to resign as Customs commissioner in 2013 because of his alleged involvement in the multibillion-peso pork-barrel scam. During his term, his office was often criticized because of its poor collection performance.

We had written about the sorry state of affairs at the BOC during the term of Biazon several times in the past. But just to remind our readers and for the record, Biazon failed to meet his collection target since he was appointed Customs commissioner in September 2011 until his resignation in December 2013.

Biazon tried to correct his misgivings with his usual kilometric and traditional politician response. However, no amount of press releases chockfull of alibis and sugar-coated facts could alter the fact: Biazon had miserably failed at his previous job as BOC commissioner.

Going back to the suspension order, in its resolution, the Sandiganbayan has ordered Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez of Davao City to implement the order and inform the court in writing of the action taken within five days from receipt of the resolution.

The burning question now is: Will Alvarez implement the Sandiganbayan’s suspension orders against Biazon and other legislators accused of violating our anti-graft and corruption laws?

The court earlier suspended two other representatives for graft—Pangasinan’s Amado Espino Jr. and Camarines Sur’s Luis Raymund Villafuerte— but the House, under the leadership of President Duterte’s handpicked Speaker. maintained its stance not to implement the suspension order as it stood pat on its power to discipline its own members.

Another crucial question is: Are lawmakers accused of pocketing public funds exempted from following the law?

During the previous administration, Biazon was perceived to be “sacred” because he was the “keeper of the secrets” of Aquino’s “Daang Matuwid.” He supposedly knew something that we ordinary mortals were not supposed to be privy to.

Is he still “untouchable” under the Duterte administration?

Just asking.

When Sec met Asec

This Cabinet member apparently hasn’t lost his fondness for beautiful women. Despite his age and the monstrous problems that his department is facing, his sensual desire is still on overdrive.

Before joining the government, Mr. Secretary, was a successful entrepreneur. Fortunately or unfortunately for him, the target of his artistic eye, a young subordinate, does not notice that “Sec” always tries to make a pass at her.

However, officials present during department meetings can›t help but notice the special treatment that Sec» is giving the newly appointed alluring and articulate “Asec.”

More on this in our future columns.