Malacañang has refused to meddle in the feud between House Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez and Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr., saying it will just let the two lawmakers deal with their personal problem.
“This is a personal matter between two men. And I think they should be – the Palace will allow them to settle it privately between themselves,” presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a Malacanang news conference.
Asked if the Palace would interfere to resolve the rift between the two lawmakers, Abella said: “Interference, no. It is a matter that they should settle between themselves.”
Alvarez recently filed a graft complaint against Floirendo in connection with an alleged unlawful business interest in a government contract.
His complaint stemmed from a joint venture pact allowing Floirendo’s family company to lease a portion of a land from the Bureau of Corrections.
Floirendo was an incumbent congressman when the agreement was renewed for another 25 years in 2003.
Floirendo was earlier rumored to be plotting to replace Alvarez as Speaker with former President now Pampanga Rep. Gloria M. Arroyo. He has denied the allegations. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)