Lacanilao asked to explain why he should not be cited in contempt

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Escudero instructed the OSAA to report back within 24 hours after serving the order to ensure procedural transparency and accountability. (File Photo: Voltaire F. Domingo/Senate PRIB via Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – Senate President Francis Escudero on Friday signed a show cause order for Special Envoy on Transnational Crimes Markus Lacanilao, requiring him to explain why he should not be cited for contempt over his testimony before the Senate.

The order follows the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, which said Lacanilao gave “false and evasive” answers during its hearing Thursday on the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

The contempt motion was initiated by Senator Ronald Dela Rosa.

“Ambassador Lacanilao is hereby ordered to show cause within a period of five (5) days from receipt of this order why he should not be ordered arrested and detained at the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA),” the order read.

Escudero instructed the OSAA to report back within 24 hours after serving the order to ensure procedural transparency and accountability.

“This show cause order is a necessary step to ensure accountability and reinforce the principles of transparency and justice that guide our work,” Escudero said, adding that a decision on whether to authorize Lacanilao’s arrest and detention will be made after reviewing his response.

Cooler heads

Meanwhile, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano called for cooler heads and a renewed focus on due process following a tense standoff between Escudero and Senator Imee Marcos over the release of Lacanilao after he was cited in contempt by the presidential sister.

Escudero declined to sign the contempt order, citing procedural safeguards and humanitarian concerns.

Cayetano, drawing from his experience as a former chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and House Speaker, explained that contempt orders in the Senate are not automatic.

While direct contempt, such as disruptive behavior during hearings, can lead to immediate action by the OSAA, indirect contempt requires a committee vote and the approval of the Senate President, he said.

Cayetano said committees issued contempt orders in the past only after thorough deliberation and caucus.