House panel subpoenas Imee Marcos

The subpoena comes after Marcos, who skipped two committee hearings, failed to appear on the third hearing. (Photo: Philippine News Agency)

MANILA— The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on Monday issued a subpoena to Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos for its investigation on the alleged misuse of the province’s tobacco funds worth PHP66.45 million.

The subpoena comes after Marcos, who skipped two committee hearings, failed to appear on the third hearing.

Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas’ motion to subpoena Marcos was unanimously approved by members of the Good Government panel.

House Resolution No. 882, authored by Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, calls for a congressional inquiry into allegations of “highly irregular” usage of the provincial government’s PHP66.45 million tobacco funds to purchase motor vehicles such as mini cabs, mini trucks, and buses.

However, based on Republic Act 7171, excise taxes on Virginia cigarettes should be allotted for livelihood projects and infrastructure projects as a special support for tobacco farmers.