Escudero refused to sign contempt order vs. Lacanilao — Imee

Senator Imee Marcos on Thursday said Special Envoy on Transnational Crimes Markus Lacanilao was released from Senate custody after Senate President Francis Escudero refused to sign the contempt order against him.

“Ambassador Markus Lacanilao has now been released—despite being cited in contempt for lying and giving misleading statements on the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte,” Senator Marcos said in a statement.

“As expected, Senate President Chiz Escudero refused to sign the contempt order. Just like he refused to sign the subpoenas. This time, he went even further—he ordered Lacanilao’s release, in spite of the ambassador’s blatant and repeated lies before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations,” she added.

She continued: “This isn’t just disappointing. It’s dangerous. When the Senate’s authority is ignored this openly, what’s the point of investigations? What’s the point of truth? We’re setting a terrible precedent—and it won’t be the last.”

Lacanilao was earlier cited for contempt by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations upon the motion of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who accused him of lying during the investigation into Duterte’s arrest.