The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee yesterday cited in contempt Vice President Jejomar C. Binay’s alleged finance officer and 13 others for their failure to show up in the hearing on the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building II and other corruption issues.
Sen. Teofisto “TG” Guingona, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, said those cited in contempt were Gerardo “Gerry” Limlingan, allegedly Binay’s finance officer; Vissia Marie Aldon, Danilo Villas, Aida Alcantara, Hirene Lopez, Irene Chong, Imee Chong, Kim Tun Chong, Irish Chong, Erlinda Chong, Kimsfer Chong, businessman Antonio Tiu, his brother James and sister-in-law Anne Lorraine Buencamino Tiu for repeatedly snubbing the panel’s subpoena.
Guingona said the Office of the Senate Sergeant at Arms (OSAA) will enforce the arrest against the 14 persons after Senate President Franklin Drilon signs the orders.
If arrested, they will be detained at the Senate’s detention cell located at the basement near the OSAA.
But Pimentel said the Senate may look for other places of detention if the Upper Chamber cannot accommodate all of them.
“We will coordinate with the Pasay City jail if we are not able to accommodate all of them here,” Pimentel told reporters after the meeting.
The sub-panel has been looking for Limlingan to shed light on the purported irregularities committed by the Vice President and members of his family.
Manila Bulletin
