First the wife, now the husband.

The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights has cited in contempt Pablo Ruiz, the husband of France Ruiz, the couple who allegedly abused their domestic helper, Elvie Vergara.

During Monday's fourth marathon hearing of the Senate panel's investigation into the alleged abuse of the couple to Vergara, lawmakers once again cited another member of the Ruiz family, this time their patriarch.

Senator Raffy Tulfo made the motion to cite Pablo in contempt for allegedly lying to lawmakers.

Tulfor made the motion after Pablo denied a new testimony that implicates them in the case.

His motion was seconded by Senator Jinggoy Estrada.

Pablo is detained inside the Senate premises along with his wife, France, who was cited in contempt last week for the exact reason.

'New witnesses'

Meanwhile, three more witnesses namely Melinda Magno, 'Alias Paopao,' and Richard Pinto, floated to support Vergara's claims that she was abused by the couple.

Senator Francis Tolentino, who chairs the Senate panel, ensured the safety of the new witnesses.

"Let us make sure that while we are conducting hearings and even after, no harm will happen to them. They came here to reveal the truth," Tolentino said.

To recall, Jay-ar Suarez Dimerez, or 'Alias Dodong,' star witness of the case, was attacked by unknown gunmen in his residence.