MANILA, Philippines — Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos was issued a “final warning” to appear before a congressional inquiry into the allegedly irregular purchase of vehicles or face arrest.
Surigao del Sur Representative Johnny Pimentel, chairman of the committee on good government and public accountability at the House of Representatives, said they would subpoena Marcos to appear at its July 25 hearing, its fourth.
If she does not show up, the panel will issue a warrant for her arrest, Pimentel said.
The committee is investigating allegations the Ilocos Norte government the P66.4-million vehicle purchase did not go through public bidding and used the province’s share of the tobacco excise tax.
Six Ilocos Norte employees — Genedine Jambaro, Encarnacion Gaor, Josephine Calajate, Eden Battulayan, Evangeline Tabuluog, and Pedro Agcaoili Jr. — have been detained at the Batasan Complex since May 29 after refusing to respond to questions about the vehicle purchase.
They have filed a motion for provisional release or release on bail before the Court of Appeals, which has, in turn, ordered the House to present them.
But Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has defied the appellate court and threatened to “disbar” them.
The House committee has also ordered the CA justices handling the Ilocos Norte employees’ case to show cause and explain why they should not be cited in contempt by the panel.
