Senate junks bid to cite House leader in contempt

MANILA, Philippines–The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, has formally denied a motion by the defense team to cite House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales in contempt for allegedly harassing a colleague, who had testified for the defense team.

“In accordance with the decision in a caucus this noon, the motion of the defense is denied. That’s the ruling of this court,” Senate president and presiding officer Juan Ponce Enrile said on Monday.

Enrile offered no explanation on the ruling of the Senate.

The defense team filed the motion after Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco, who testified earlier for the defense in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, claimed he was threatened by Gonzales to prevent him from testifying in the trial.