House cites 4 OVP officials in contempt for ignoring hearings

The House committee on good governance cited four Office of the Vice President (OVP) officials in contempt for ignoring hearings regarding alleged misuse of public funds on Monday, November 11.

Sunshine Fajarda, Edward Fajarda, Lemuel Ordonio, and Gina Acosta were ordered arrested after they failed to attend multiple summons issued by the committee despite providing travel orders as reasons for their absence.

Lawmakers expressed skepticism about the officials' excuses and questioned their motives, suggesting possible malicious intent to avoid attendance at the hearings.

Deputy Speaker David C. Suarez emphasized that it is the job of these resource persons to explain how they spent the funds being discussed, especially since the committee has shown patience and understanding towards them.

The committee gave more leeway to OVP chief of staff Zuleika Lopez, who is in the United States to care for a critically ill aunt but will be expected to attend the next hearing.