A House leader has warned resource persons in the House Tri-Comm probe into fake news and online disinformation that they risk being cited in contempt if they attack or insult the proceedings or lawmakers after the hearing.

House Committee on Public Accounts Chairman Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano has reminded them of Section 11 of internal rules, Paragraph F.

It states that resource persons are not allowed to discuss or attack, insult the committee hearing after the suspension of the hearing.

“You will be in violation… we will be forced to cite you in contempt (undue interference),” Paduano said.

Paduano added that the House had previously enforced this rule.

“We have already done that in my committee when a block timer from Cagayan, Bombo Radyo Cagayan, was cited in contempt because after the hearing he attacks the results of the committee hearing. Please be reminded,” he said.

The House joint committee, composed of the Committees on Public Information, on Public Order and Safety, and on Information and Communications Technology, has set its next hearing on April 8, subject to changes.

If that schedule changes, all concerned will be notified, said Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, who presided over the hearing.

Paduano earlier moved to issue subpoenas to 24 pro-Duterte vloggers and influencers who failed to attend the hearing despite receiving show-cause orders.

Among those named were former NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Lorraine Badoy, vlogger Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, and vlogger Allan Troy “Sass” Rogando Sasot.

Also subpoenaed are Alex Distor, Alven Mortero, Claire Eden Contreras, Claro Ganac, Cyrus Priglo, Darwin Salceda, Edwin Jamora, Elmer Jugalbot, Ernesto Abines Jr., Atty. Glen Chong, Jeffrey Cruz, Josmith Medina, Jonathan Morales, Julius Milan Maui, Kester Tan, Lord Byron Cristobal, Maria Florenda Espenilla, Maricar Serrano, Susan 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.

The motion was seconded by Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop and immediately approved by Pimentel.

“The motion is approved, and the chair hereby directs the committee secretary to issue subpoenas to the mentioned resource persons,” Pimentel said.

He also reminded that subpoenas previously issued to 11 individuals remain in effect, including those issued to Badoy, Celiz and Sasot, who all failed to appear on Friday.

“May we inform those mentioned that have been issued subpoena that the subpoena is still in effect,” he said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas