MANILA, Philippines — The House committee on good government and public accountability has formally issued a subpoena ordering Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos to attend its July 25 hearing on pain of arrest.
“Failure to comply with this order is subject to penalty under the law,” said the document, signed by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Representative Johnny Pimentel, chairman of the committee that is investigating the allegedly anomalous purchase of vehicles by the Ilocos Norte government, supposedly with funds from the tobacco levy.
Six provincial government employees remain detained at the Batasan complex on orders of the committee after they were cited in contempt for being “evasive” in answering questions during the past three hearings.
“Should you desire to deliver or present a prepared or written statement under oath before the committee, the Rules provide that you file a copy of such statement with the secretary of the committee in good government within 48 hours before the hearing,” the subpoena on Marcos said.
Earlier reports indicated Marcos was not keen on showing up and had submitted an explanation to the committee during an earlier hearing.
The probe into the vehicle purchase is an apparent offshoot of a feud between the Marcoses and once close ally House majority leader Rodolfo Fariñas, who represents the province’s first district. Former First Lady Imelda Marcos is second district representative.
It is the second public spat between close allies of President Rodrigo Duterte. The first was the one between Alvarez and his fellow Davao del Norte Representative and former bosom buddy Antonio Floirendo Jr., listed as Duterte’s biggest election campaign donor.
THE SUBPOENA ON ILOCOS GOV. IMEE MARCOS: