Florida Democrat Found Guilty of House Ethics Violations The House Ethics Committee announced on Friday that Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has been found guilty of violating multiple campaign finance laws and the Code of Ethics for Government Service. The congresswoman was cited for failing to comply with Federal Election Commission regulations and for not properly disclosing campaign contributions, particularly during her 2021 campaign. The findings come after a public hearing earlier this week, where she faced allegations of misusing federal disaster funds to bolster her campaign. The Ethics Committee’s report detailed instances between 2021 and 2022 in which Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign allegedly misreported over a dozen payments as loans rather than campaign contributions. The panel argued this was done to create the appearance of a financially strong campaign. The committee also noted that a full hearing will be held after the House returns from its April recess to determine whether to recommend sanctions against her. Cherfilus-McCormick responded by stating her focus remains on her congressional duties, vowing to “prove her innocence” while emphasizing her commitment to representing Florida’s 20th District. The case has drawn renewed attention to how Congress enforces its own ethical standards, with Democrats facing pressure to address the allegations against their own members. While the hearing is separate from ongoing criminal proceedings, it could influence any potential punishment from her colleagues. Some Democrats, including Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, have called for her resignation, arguing that her actions “cannot crime her way into legitimate power.” Rep.#house_ethics_committee #pam_bondi #florida_democrat #sheila_cherfilusmccormick #trinity_healthcare_services
Nine Women Sue Bong Suntay Over ‘Lewd’ Remarks About Anne Curtis Nine women, including members of the World March of Women, have filed a formal complaint against Quezon City Representative Bong Suntay, accusing him of violating multiple laws through his recent remarks about actress and television host Anne Curtis. The complaint, submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman, alleges that Suntay’s statements during a House committee session on impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte breached several legal frameworks, including Republic Act No. 11313, the Safe Spaces Act, Republic Act No. 9710, the Magna Carta of Women, and Republic Act No. 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. The complainants also raised concerns about his potential violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA), which governs the ethical conduct of Filipino lawyers. The complaint centers on Suntay’s remarks, which were described as a “declaration of predatory desire” by a government agency. The women argue that his comments, which included lewd and objectifying references to Anne Curtis, constitute violations of the Safe Spaces Act. This law prohibits actions such as cursing, wolf-whistling, catcalling, leering, and misogynistic slurs, all of which the complainants claim Suntay engaged in. They also emphasized that the Magna Carta of Women mandates government officials to protect women from discrimination and uphold their rights, which Suntay allegedly failed to do. Suntay, a lawyer, had previously apologized for his remarks, stating he was sorry “if some people were offended.#world_march_of_women #bong_suntay #anne_curtis #office_of_ombudsman #house_ethics_committee
