Bauan mayor detained for contempt over waterworks hearing absences

Bauan, Batangas Mayor Ryanh Dolor was detained upon his arrival from the United States at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Thursday morning due to a standing contempt order issued by the House Committee on Public Accounts.

The arrest followed a contempt citation signed by Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano for repeated absences in House hearings regarding the privatization of the Bauan Waterworks System (BWS).

Dolor was taken into custody at 12:08 am on March 26, and brought to the House detention facility by a joint team led by the Office of the House Sergeant-at-Arms.

The travel authority signed by Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas for medical reasons was questioned by lawmakers due to a lack of supporting documentation.

House Resolution No. 2148 authored by Rep. Paolo Ortega V outlines an inquiry into alleged misuse of public funds and irregularities in the municipality's dealings with Aquadata Inc.

Dolor will remain under House detention until the committee completes its hearings.