Senate Pres voids Imee's contempt order vs envoy

Senate President Chiz Escudero voided Senator Imee Marcos' contempt order against Special Envoy on Transnational Crimes Ambassador Markus Lacanilao, citing lack of due process and required approval.

Escudero stated that a committee chairperson's power to order arrest or detention is subject to the Senate President's approval, a safeguard against personal or political objectives.

Marcos had claimed Escudero refused to sign the contempt order, but Escudero clarified he had not seen or received a copy of it before Marcos announced it.

The contempt order was issued during a hearing on former president Rodrigo Duterte's arrest and surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Escudero urged Marcos not to use the Senate as a platform for her political objectives and to avoid eroding its credibility for personal gain.

Marcos expressed disappointment, calling Escudero's decision 'dangerous' and accusing him of undermining the Senate's authority.

Escudero emphasized that Ambassador Lacanilao was ordered detained without the requisite approval and due process, referencing a concurring opinion from Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo regarding stricter due process requirements for witnesses accused of lying under oath.