Ambassador Lacanilao in Senate custody

MANILA, Philippines — Special Envoy on Transnational Crime Ambassador Markus Lacanilao is now in the custody of the Senate.

This, in pursuant to an order issued by Senate President Chiz Escudero on Monday.

In a statement, Escudero’s office said a copy of the order was sent to the Office of the Special Envoy for Transnational Crime at three in the afternoon on Monday, after which, his legal counsel immediately proceeded to the Office of the Senate Secretary to confirm the said Order.

“Ambassador Lacanilao voluntarily presented himself before the Senate to personally receive and comply with the Order,” said the statement read.

READ: Amb. Markus Lacanilao cited for contempt for ‘lying’

“He went through standard procedure and was checked by the Medical and Dental Bureau. He shall remain in the custody of the Senate for a period not exceeding two days,” it added.

Lacanilao was cited for contempt by the Senate panel on foreign relations on April 10 for alleged lying.

“After careful evaluation, the Senate President ordered Ambassador Lacanilao placed under Senate custody, after having failed to satisfactorily explain, through a clear statement of facts, why his answers during the hearing were not evasive,” said Escudero’s office.

It added that Lacanilao was likewise admonished to appear in future hearings and to provide truthful answers to all questions posed during such proceedings.