Ex-Comelec chief faces arrest for snubbing Senate hearing

The Senate committee on banks, financial institutions and currencies on Monday held former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Andres Bautista in contempt and has ordered his arrest after failing to show up at the panel’s investigation anew despite a subpoena issued against him.

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, chairman of the banks committee, said he would ask Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III to issue the warrant of arrest.

But in a letter submitted to the committee, the former poll chief asked that the subpoena be recalled saying he has never received any invitation from the committee since he is currently abroad.

The committee issued a subpoena against Bautista last January 23, directing him to appear on February 12.

According to Bautista, he has been out of the country since November last year, 2017 “to explore professional opportunities abroad, and more importantly, seek assistance for certain medical challenges.”

“I understand from news reports that a subpoena has been issued because of my non-appearance in the hearing,” Bautista said.

“In this regard, I respectfully ask that the subpoena be recalled since I never received the invitation,” he stressed.

Escudero earlier warned that the committee will hold him in contempt and have him arrested if he fails to show up in the probe.

“The committee has consistently sent him invitations to all of the hearings we conducted but until today, he has not given any reasons for his absence. Not even a representative to act on his behalf,” Escudero had said. The senator said they also waited for him to fulfill his promise in the past to appear and defend himself once invited.