CA wants Ilocos Norte gov’t workers freed

The Court of Appeals has ordered House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to explain in writing why he should not be held in contempt for his failure to bring the six detained employees of the Ilocos Norte provincial government to its hearing last week.

The six—Genedine Jambaro, Encarnacion Gaor, Josephine Calajate, Eden Battulayan, Evangeline Tabuluog and Pedro Agcaoili Jr.— were being held by the House Sergeant-at-Arms Office after they were cited in contempt for their alleged refusal to answer questions during a congressional inquiry into the supposed anomalous purchase of vehicles by the provincial government.

In its June 9 show cause order, the appellate court’s Special Fourth Division also directed House sergeant at arms Roland Detabali to explain his refusal to abide by its order to free the capitol personnel.

It also told Alvarez and Detabali that the previous rulings of the Supreme Court authorized the appellate court to act on habeas corpus cases.