P100M to ensure Imee’s detention EXCLUSIVE

A P100- million fund from the “yellow” forces is being dangled before lawmakers to ensure that Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos will be detained over her alleged misuse of more than P66 million in tobacco excise taxes.

Marcos herself made the allegation in an exclusive phone interview with TheManilaTimes, citing a reliable source who told her that the fund will be distributed if she boycotted a hearing of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on July 25. The panel is investigating the alleged use of P66.45 million in excise taxes to buy motor vehicles under Marcos’ watch.

Some lawmakers have warned that the governor will be cited for contempt if she will not show up on July 25.

Last week, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel showed members of the media the detention cell being readied for Marcos.

The House of Representatives had detained for more than two months six employees of the provincial government for refusing to discuss the purchase of vehicles.

Last week, Marcos asked the Supreme Court to intervene in the case by assuming jurisdiction over a petition for habeas corpus pending at the Court of Appeals.

The employees were cited in contempt for refusing to answer questions from the Pimentel panel, saying they cannot do so since the queries were based on photocopies of documents used in the procurement of the vehicles.

The probe was initiated by Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, a former ally of the Marcoses.

Marcos noted that Fariñas used to be a member of the Liberal