Ex-police Col Royina Garma cited for contempt by House panel

Former police Colonel Royina Garma was cited for contempt by the House of Representatives quad committee on Thursday for lying and providing evasive answers during a hearing.

Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano questioned Garma's close ties to former President Rodrigo Duterte, given her rapid promotions during his administration; she initially denied being special or close but later admitted, 'Perhaps, Mr. Chair, I am special,' after further questioning.

The committee decided to detain Garma at the House premises until the hearings conclude, as she is linked to the killing of three Chinese nationals in Davao Prison and Penal Farm in 1986.

During the hearing, Garma's answers regarding her relationship with Duterte ranged from 'That is the perception' to a single word, 'Perhaps,' prompting lawmakers to momentarily suspend proceedings after she broke down into tears.

The committee advised Garma to appeal the decision to cite her in contempt and suggested bringing her daughter to the House so she could be with her mother during the inquiry.