Senate President Chiz Escudero assured that the upper chamber will continue to recognize the rights of suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo even as he urged law enforcement agencies to help the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) in carrying out the arrest order against the local chief executive.
In a press conference, Escudero reiterated that the arrest warrant issued by the Senate only seeks to ensure the attendance of the embattled mayor and seven others in the ongoing inquiry on their alleged involvement with Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
The Senate chief noted jurisprudence on flight being an evidence of guilt.
“Ang kawalan ng kagustuhang sumuko at boluntaryong magpakita… ay pagpapakita na marahil ay may tinatago siya, may iniiwasan siya.”
“Ang kawalan ng kagustuhang sumuko at boluntaryong magpakita at sumagot sa mga simpleng katanungan, bagaman hindi siya pinupwersang umamin, ay pagpapakita na marahil ay may tinatago siya, may iniiwasan siya,” Escudero said.
The OSAA has prepared the detention facility for Guo and the others.
“Hindi ito warrant of arrest para siya ay ikulong at parusahan kaugnay sa isang ginawang krimen,” the veteran legislator said.
“Ito’y warrant of arrest para tiyakin ang kanyang pagdalo sa pagdinig at sagutin ang mga katanungang ipupukol sa kanya ng mga miyembro ng Senado habang ginagalang ang kanyang mga karapatan,” the seasoned lawmaker explained.
