By Filane Mikee Cervantes
MANILA – The House of Representatives Tri-Committee on Tuesday cited social media personalities Sass Rogando Sasot, Lorraine Badoy, and Jeffrey Celiz in contempt over their repeated refusal, without legal excuse, to attend its hearings on digital disinformation despite being subpoenaed.
Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said only eight out of the 11 personalities subpoenaed at a previous hearing appeared for the Tri-Committee’s fourth hearing.
“Today again, there are three personalities who did not appear while the subpoena is still in effect,” Pimentel said.
Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano moved to cite Sasot, Badoy, and Celiz in contempt for violating Section 11, Paragraph A of the House rules, which penalizes refusal to answer summons without legal excuse.
Sasot, who is reportedly residing in Beijing, has been invited since the first hearing on Feb. 5.
“This is now the fourth hearing,” Paduano said, adding that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Bureau of Immigration have been asked to report on Sasot’s status.
Celiz, according to Paduano, was also issued a subpoena, an invitation, and a show cause order.
The party-list noted that Celiz has not attended any hearing and is believed to have left the country.
The committee asked the same two agencies for his travel records.
As for Badoy, the committee received a letter with a copy of her travel schedule and ticket indicating she is in Hong Kong.
Despite the documents, Paduano still moved to cite her in contempt for failing to comply with the subpoena.
The Tri-Committee is composed of the House Committees on Public Information, Public Order and Safety, and Information and Communications Technology. (PNA)
