Senate cites envoy Lacanilao in contempt for alleged perjury

The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations cited Special Envoy on Transnational Crime Ambassador Markus Lacanilao in contempt for allegedly lying under oath.

Senators expressed frustration over Lacanilao's repeated assertions that he was unaware of whether former President Rodrigo Duterte had been presented before a local court prior to his supposed arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa moved to cite Lacanilao in contempt, a motion approved by committee chairperson Senator Imee Marcos.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla clarified that Lacanilao was appointed as the representative of Interpol, as he also oversees the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC).

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano questioned why Lacanilao signed the Transfer of Custody on behalf of the Philippine government if he was representing Interpol.

Lacanilao explained that he had to make a decision due to the intense emotions and fatigue of those involved at the time of Duterte's arrest, and to allow medical assistance for the former president.

Lacanilao was taken into custody by the Senate sergeant-at-arms following the contempt citation.