House releases Ilocos 6
Imee apologizes, retracts allegation about P100-M bribe to lawmakers for her detention
Almost two months after they were detained for contempt, six Ilocos Norte officials were released after House Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Fariñas moved to lift the contempt order against them.
The officials known as “Ilocos 6” are Pedro Agcaoili, provincial planning and development office chairperson; Josephine Calajate, provincial treasurer; Eden Battulayan, Genedine Jambaro and Encarnacion Gaor, provincial treasurer’s office staff; and Evangeline Tabulog, provincial budget officer.
They have been held at the House since May 29 after they refused to cooperate and answer questions in relation to the investigation by the House committee on good government and public accountability into the alleged anomalous utilization of P66.45 million in tobacco funds.
Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos yesterday insisted that the transactions using the tobacco funds were legal. Marcos finally attended the inquiry after being subpoenaed for snubbing the previous hearings.
Marcos said the funds were used to purchase 40 minicabs, five second-hand buses, and 70 Foton mini trucks. The transactions underwent through the proper process.
Marcos also defended her method of using cash advances, which lawmakers found suspicious as it does away with the common government practice of using checks.
“’Pag nag-cash advance, hindi naman ibig sabihin ay binulsa na agad,” she said, adding this can mean that the transaction is “cash on delivery.”
Also during yesterday’s hearing, Marcos withdrew her allegation that lawmakers were to be given P100 million to secure her detention, with the funding coming from those associated with the Liberal Party (LP).
Marcos was forced to apologize and retract her statement after Fariñas threatened to cite her for contempt for refusing to reveal her “source.”
Marcos asked to consult with her counsel, among them former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, who served as her father’s justice secretary.
After a few minutes, the Ilocos governor finally apologized and said her “source was uncertain.”
“For that I apologize and withdraw the statement. It is my mere suspicion and given that the source is uncertain, I withdraw the accusation to the integrity and honor of the House of Representatives that a hundred million (pesos) circulated. Hindi po totoo yun,” Marcos said.
Deputy Speaker Miro Quimbo, the highest House official affiliated with the LP, said they are being used “as a punching bag by those who seek attention from the President.”
“This is absolutely fake news. As far as we are concerned, bugbog sarado na nga po kami... nagkakahati hati na po kami,” Quimbo told Marcos.
Fariñas, a former Marcos ally, initiated the investigation.