House detains Bauan mayor after US trip

MANILA, Philippines — Shortly after arriving from a trip to the United States yesterday, Mayor Ryanh Dolor of Bauan, Batangas was detained at the House of Representatives for contempt.

Dolor was taken into custody for skipping congressional probes on the privatization of a water supply system in Bauan, according to House Sergeant-at-Arms Napoleon Taas.

On March 17, the House committee on public accounts cited Dolor in contempt for alleged misuse of public funds and other irregularities in the Bauan municipal government.

Taas said Dolor was taken into custody upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 from Los Angeles, California.

Dolor’s arrest was implemented in coordination with the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Bureau of Immigration as well as airport authorities, Taas said.

Before taking action, the House panel had issued three invitations, a show-cause order and a subpoena to Dolor. But he still ignored the congressional hearings.

Dolor’s office previously submitted a travel authority signed by Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas, allowing him to travel to the US from March 11 to 26 for medical reasons.

Lawmakers did not buy Dolor’s excuse.

“He has no medical records to justify his absence in the House hearings,” Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores said during a previous hearing.

The House panel ordered Dolor’s detention until the hearings are terminated.