PRO-Duterte vloggers and influencers who failed to attend the last hearing have been warned by the House Tri-Committee of possible consequences if they continue to evade the hearing.

House Committee on public accounts Chairman and Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano said another invitation will be sent to them to attend the hearing tentatively set on April 8.

But Paduano asked them not to test their patience as they will be cited in contempt and be detained if they ignore the invitation.

The joint hearing of the Committees on Public Information, on Public Order and Safety, and on Information and Communications Technology confirmed that subpoenas will be issued to 24 personalities who failed to appear despite receiving show-cause orders.

Among those who failed to attend and are now facing subpoenas are prominent pro-Duterte influencers and bloggers Lorraine Marie Tablang Badoy-Partosa, Jeffrey Almendras Çeliz, and Allan Troy “Sass” Rogando Sasot.

The Tri-Comm also ordered to issue subpoena against Alex Distor, Alven L. Mortero, Claire Eden Contreras, Claro Ganac, Cyrus Priglo, Darwin Salceda, Edwin Jamora, Elmer Jugalbot, Ernesto S. Abines Jr., Atty. Glen Chong, Jeffrey G. Cruz, Joe Smith Medina, Jonathan Morales, Julius Melanosi Maui, Kester Ramon John Balibalos Tan, Lord Byron Cristobal, Ma. Florinda Espenilla-Duque, Maricar Serrano, Suzanne Batalla, Mary Catherine Binag, and Vivian Zapata Rodriguez.

“Mr. Chairman… may I respectfully move that we issue a subpoena ad testificandum for all those mentioned names by the chairman,” said Paduano during the hearing.

The motion was seconded by Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop and subsequently approved by Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, who presided the Tri-Comm hearing.

He added that of the 11 others previously issued subpoenas, only eight attended.

“The following three resource persons did not attend – Badoy, Celiz and Sasot,” Pimentel said.

Former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles informed the committee that “Ms. Rogando Sasot is in China and she attempted to join today (Friday) as discussed earlier via Zoom, she cannot return to the country.”

Pimentel clarified that Zoom link is exclusively for House members joining the hearing.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas