DAVAO CITY (April 11) —Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has issued a show cause order to Special Envoy on Transnational Crimes, Ambassador Markus Lacanilao, directing him to explain within five days why he should not be held in contempt.
This action follows a contentious episode in which Senator Imee Marcos, chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, cited Lacanilao for contempt during a hearing on the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Marcos accused Lacanilao of providing misleading statements and ordered his detention.
Senator Ronald Dela Rosa moved to contempt Lacanilao, accusing him of giving “misleading” information during the committee hearing.
However, Escudero refused to sign the contempt order, citing procedural lapses and humanitarian considerations, as Lacanilao’s grandfather was being laid to rest on the same day. He emphasized that the Senate’s rules require the Senate President’s approval for such actions, which was not obtained in this case.
He further urged Marcos to refrain from using the Senate as a platform for personal political objectives, especially with the upcoming midterm elections, and to focus on fostering unity rather than division.
The show cause order issued to Lacanilao is part of Escudero’s commitment to uphold due process and the integrity of the Senate’s proceedings.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
