House unveils detention facility for individuals cited for contempt

House of Representatives (INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines —  The House of Representatives recently unveiled a new detention facility for individuals cited for contempt, which reached 37 during the 19th Congress. 

The facility within the Legislative Security Bureau building can accommodate 16 resource persons ordered detained by the chamber in the exercise of its legislative and oversight functions.

“Today, we are unveiling a building marker that transcends its physical form. It’s not just a metal sign with information about the building and the custodial facilities in it. It symbolizes something much more profound,” House Secretary-General Reginald S. Velasco said during the inauguration of the facility last August 7.

“It’s a testament to the unwavering commitment of the House of Representatives’ leadership to uphold rights and dignity, a commitment that we take very seriously,” he added.

Currently, there are two individuals detained at the HOR – Daisy Quiros, a real estate broker ordered detained by the committee on public accounts and Ronilyn Baterna, the Corporate Secretary of Lucky South 99 ordered detained by the committee on public order and safety.

“And the provision of clean and comfortable facilities, the fair treatment, the protection of their safety and welfare, and the continuous monitoring by our medical team of their health condition all reflect our operational efficiency within the House and reinforce the integrity of our investigation process,” Velasco said.

“This commitment to those placed under our care builds public trust in our processes and our institution. It shows that the House of Representatives values integrity situations and transparency, even in challenging situations,” he added.

In a statement on Saturday, the House said that the 37 contempt citations were issued by the committees on public accounts, public order and safety, human rights, dangerous drugs, franchise, agriculture, and others.