Enrile wants David Bangayan cited for contempt

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile on Monday said Davidson Bangayan should be held in contempt for allegedly lying about his identity.

During a committee on agriculture hearing on rice smuggling, Enrile insisted that Bangayan and David Tan, alleged rice smuggler, are one and the same person.

“I move that this person be [cited] for contempt for lying to this committee,” the Senator said.

Reading an affidavit filed by Bangayan for a previous libel case, Enrile pointed out that the businessman had already admitted that he also goes by the name of David Tan.

But Bangayan reiterated that he is not David Tan.

“Naaawa ako sayo eh. Binibigyan ka na ng pagkakataon. Hindi lang ito ang ebidensya…Marami. Maawa ka sa sarili mo,” Enrile said.

(I pity you. I am already giving you a chance. This affidavit is not the only evidence…There are still a lot. Have pity on yourself.)

Senator Cynthia Villar, committee on agriculture chair, said they will consult with the other members of the committee on whether they will hold Bangayan in contempt.

The decision will be announced next meeting.