Garcia shows up at House hearing; Gutierrez a no-show

MANILA, Philippines - Former military comptroller Carlos Garcia, who was reported by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV to be missing on Monday, appeared at the House of Representatives yesterday to face the House committee on justice investigating the controversial plea bargain agreement that he entered into with the Office of the Special Prosecutor.   

But a no-show in the hearing was Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, who also questioned the House inquiry. 

Six of her underlings also snubbed the committee chaired by Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas Jr. They are Deputy Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro, Special Prosecutor Wendell Sulit, Deputy Special Prosecutors Robert Callos and Jesus Micael, and Special Prosecutors Joseph Capistrano and Jose Balmeo Jr.

Instead of showing up, Gutierrez sent Tupas a letter explaining their reasons for shunning the inquiry.

Angered by the absence of the Ombudsman and her officials, the justice committee, which is handling two impeachment cases against her, voted unanimously to issue subpoenas to compel them to attend the next hearing.

Gutierrez and her colleagues may be ordered arrested if they fail to comply with the subpoenas.

Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, senior vice chairman of the justice committee, suggested that Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Ricardo David, who was a no-show like Gutierrez, should be compelled to appear at the next hearing.

“The AFP is the offended party in this case,” Fariñas said.

In her letter to Tupas, the Ombudsman said “since the purpose of the inquiry is to determine the validity of the plea bargaining agreement and the possible liability of those involved in or behind said agreement, should it be illegal, the inquiry may not be in aid of legislation and not within the legitimate province of the legislature.”

She said the agreement “is still pending before the second division of the Sandiganbayan.” Besides, she said, the Office of the Ombudsman “is a constitutional and independent office.” – With Aurea Calica