Batangas Mayor Ryanh Dolor detained for skipping hearings

Bauan, Batangas Mayor Ryanh Dolor was detained at the House of Representatives on Thursday for repeated absences from hearings regarding the privatization of the Bauan Waterworks System.

Dolor arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Los Angeles around midnight and was immediately taken into custody by the House Sergeant-at-Arms.

The mayor had previously been cited in contempt last March for skipping these hearings, despite submitting a travel authority signed by Batangas Governor Dodo Mandanas stating medical reasons for his absence.

Lawmakers questioned the validity of Dolor's excuse due to the lack of medical records or specific justification provided.

Aside from Dolor, Aquadata president Joseph Yu and vice president Jonathan Yu were also issued contempt citations and ordered detained by the House.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between local officials and lawmakers over attendance at legislative hearings and compliance with investigations into alleged misuse of public funds.