ALMOST two months after they were detained, the six Ilocos Norte officials are finally free after House Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Fariñas moved to lift the contempt order against them.
The six Ilocos Norte officials are Pedro Agcaoili, provincial planning and development office chairperson; Josephine Calajate, provincial treasurer; Eden Battulayan, Genedine Jambaro and Encarnacion Gaor, provincial treasurer’s office staff; and Evangeline Tabulog, provincial budget officer.
They had been held at the House of Representatives since May 29 after they refused to cooperate and answer questions in relation the probe by the House committee on good government and public accountability.
The panel is investigating the alleged anomalous utilization of P66.45 million in tobacco funds for the purchase of motor vehicles, which Fariñas said violates the intent of the law governing excise taxes.
On Tuesday, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos finally attended the inquiry after being subpoenaed for snubbing the previous hearings.
Marcos insisted that the transactions for the purchase of 40 minicabs, five second-hand buses, and 70 Foton mini trucks are legal and went through the proper process.
Marcos also defended her method of using cash advances, which lawmakers found suspicious as it does away with the common government practice of using checks.
"'Pag nag-cash advance, hindi naman ibig sabihin ay binulsa na agad," she said, adding this can mean that the transaction is "cash on delivery."
The inquiry concluded with Fariñas ordering the release of the six after they finally admitted signing the documents of the purchase.
Former allies, Fariñas and Marcos had a falling out a few years back due to political reasons. (SunStar Philippines)