Probe on Solgen set sans SC TRO

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will pursue the inquiry into the alleged conflict of interest on the security service contracts of a company owned by Solicitor General Jose Calida’s family with government agencies unless the Supreme Court (SC) blocks it, panel chairman Sen. Richard Gordon said yesterday.

He, nonetheless, assured Calida of proper treatment if the hearing pushes through.

Gordon said he will abide by a temporary restraining order (TRO) if the High Tribunal favors Calida’s petition to stop the public hearing.

“I will hear the case…definitely, unless there is restraining order,” Gordon said in a radio interview.

“If there is a restraining order, out of respect I will withhold,” he added.

At the same time, Gordon said Calida will be accorded proper treatment if ever the Senate inquiry pushes through.

A scheduled hearing on the matter last Thursday was postponed due to supposed unavailability of resource persons.

“Of course,” replied Gordon when asked if Calida will get fair treatment.

The Senate inquiry against Calida and his family stemmed from Resolution 760 sponsored by administration critics calling for an investigation into Calida’s alleged conflict of interest when his family-owned security firm Vigilant Investigative and Security Agency Inc. (VISAI) bagged several government contracts.

The resolution was filed by opposition Senators Antonio Trillanes IV, Franklin Drilon, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, Bam Aquino and Leila de Lima.

Calida and his family asked the SC to issue a TRO that would prevent the conduct of the legislative inquiry.