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Advocates Philippines
House Panel Warns Absent Pro-Duterte Vloggers: Show Up Or Face Contempt
Photo credit: Congress PH
Looks like the House Tri-Committee isn’t playing around. After several pro-Duterte vloggers and influencers skipped the recent hearing on fake news and online disinformation, House Committee on Public Accounts Chairman Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano had a clear message for them: Attend the next hearing or risk being cited in contempt.
“Please don’t force us to cite you in contempt,” Paduano warned during last Friday’s session. The next hearing is tentatively set for April 8, and it seems lawmakers are running out of patience.
Subpoenas Incoming
The Tri-Comm—composed of the Committees on Public Information, Public Order and Safety, and Information and Communications Technology—confirmed that subpoenas will be issued to 24 personalities who ignored previous show-cause orders. Among those on the list? Well-known pro-Duterte bloggers and influencers Lorraine Badoy-Partosa, Jeffrey Celiz, and Sass Rogando Sasot.
The committee also named several other individuals who are now expected to appear at the next session. Failing to show up again could mean serious consequences.
No Special Treatment
Former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles explained that Sasot is currently in China and attempted to join the hearing via Zoom. However, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, who presided over the session, clarified that only House members can participate virtually. That means Sasot—and everyone else on the subpoena list—must submit proper documentation proving their absence and provide a written explanation.
“We will accept all documents submitted to the secretariat, but Ms. Badoy and Ms. Sasot must still submit a written explanation before the next hearing,” Paduano emphasized.
Final Warning
The committee isn’t just cracking down on absentees—it’s also making it clear that post-hearing attacks won’t be tolerated.
Paduano reminded everyone of Section 11 of the House’s internal rules, which prohibits attacking or insulting the committee after a hearing. He even cited a previous case where a radio host from Cagayan was cited in contempt for publicly criticizing committee proceedings.
“If those who received subpoenas still refuse to attend the next hearing, we will be compelled to issue a contempt order,” Pimentel warned.
So, for those on the list: Mark your calendars, submit your documents, and show up. The House Tri-Comm is watching.
“Please don’t force us to cite you in contempt,” Paduano warned during last Friday’s session. The next hearing is tentatively set for April 8, and it seems lawmakers are running out of patience.
Subpoenas Incoming
The Tri-Comm—composed of the Committees on Public Information, Public Order and Safety, and Information and Communications Technology—confirmed that subpoenas will be issued to 24 personalities who ignored previous show-cause orders. Among those on the list? Well-known pro-Duterte bloggers and influencers Lorraine Badoy-Partosa, Jeffrey Celiz, and Sass Rogando Sasot.
The committee also named several other individuals who are now expected to appear at the next session. Failing to show up again could mean serious consequences.
No Special Treatment
Former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles explained that Sasot is currently in China and attempted to join the hearing via Zoom. However, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, who presided over the session, clarified that only House members can participate virtually. That means Sasot—and everyone else on the subpoena list—must submit proper documentation proving their absence and provide a written explanation.
“We will accept all documents submitted to the secretariat, but Ms. Badoy and Ms. Sasot must still submit a written explanation before the next hearing,” Paduano emphasized.
Final Warning
The committee isn’t just cracking down on absentees—it’s also making it clear that post-hearing attacks won’t be tolerated.
Paduano reminded everyone of Section 11 of the House’s internal rules, which prohibits attacking or insulting the committee after a hearing. He even cited a previous case where a radio host from Cagayan was cited in contempt for publicly criticizing committee proceedings.
“If those who received subpoenas still refuse to attend the next hearing, we will be compelled to issue a contempt order,” Pimentel warned.
So, for those on the list: Mark your calendars, submit your documents, and show up. The House Tri-Comm is watching.
Mar 23, 2025
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