Fratman Arvin Balag cited in contempt by Senate, to be put under detention
Horacio and Carmina Castillo (center), parents of slain UST law student Horacio III attend a Senate hearing on the fatal hazing case yesterday. At left, suspect John Paul Solano is escorted by police to the probe. Right photo shows Nilo Divina, dean of the UST Faculty of Civil Law, fielding senators’ questions. GEREMY PINTOL
MANILA, Philippines--Arvin Balag, believed to be the president of the Aegis Juris Fraternity, was cited in contempt by the Senate committee during its resumption of inquiry into the death of Horacio "Atio" Castillo III.
During the resumption of the Senate's committee on public order and dangerous drugs inquiry, Sen. Grace Poe asked Balag to confirm if he was indeed the president of the Aegus Juris Fraternity.
Castillo is believed to be a victim of the brutal initiation rites of the fraternity.
Balag, however, refused to answer repeatedly saying that he is invoking his right against self-incrimination.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson, head of the committee, reminded Balag of the rules of the Senate committee where he can be cited in contempt. "Be careful of irking the members of the committee," said Lacson.
But Balag remained firm on his defense, saying that he can is facing an anti-hazing complaint.
Poe, growing increasingly frustrated, said that Balag is doing injustice to his fraternity brothers if he will refuse to speak up.
Lacson added: "Why would it incriminate you if you were only affirming what is on record?"
Poe moved that Balag be cited in contempt, which was seconded by the committee.
Lacson order the Senate's Sergeant-at-Arms to put Balag in detention after the hearing.
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