Tubod, Lanao del Norte – After news of her alleged spat with Presidential peace process adviser Teresita "Ging" Deles gained national attention, Lanao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Fatima Aliah Dimaporo stood in the halls of Congress to clarify some issues of the controversy.

Availing herself of the privilege hour, Dimaporo argued that her interpellations were only in exercise of her function as a member of the House of Representatives.

Unfortunately, however, the lady solon’s action was interpreted by Deles as a deliberate move to delay the approval of OPAPP’s budget and a waste of time stating that “nobody was listening”.

In a conversation with Rep. Dimaporo, Deles also allegedly insinuated that “Muslim legislators do not understand how it (peace process) works” and boasted of her extensive experience on the volatile issue. Deles continued on by advising Dimaporo to read her books before talking with her.

Despite this alleged disdainful actions by a member of the cabinet, Dimaporo managed to keep her responses cordial and on a professional level.

The alleged arrogance displayed by Secretary Deles in the budget hearing also caught the attention of the members of Congress who passed a resolution seeking Deles' ouster.

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero also commented that the peace negotiations are bound to fail if the presidential adviser on the peace process will not change her attitude.

As of presstime, President Aquino has expressed his continued support for Deles, in the wake of the resolution from Congress and the increasing demand for her resignation. PIO-LDN