Authorities arrested Bauan, Batangas Mayor Ryanh Dolor at Ninoy Aquino International Airport early Thursday upon his return from the United States, enforcing a contempt order from the House of Representatives.
His arrest stemmed from his repeated failure to appear at hearings of the House Committee on Public Accounts despite being summoned four times through a show-cause order and a subpoena.
A joint operation led by the Office of the House Sergeant-at-Arms, in coordination with airport police, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Office and the Bureau of Immigration, resulted in Dolor’s arrest at 12:20 a.m. Thursday, shortly after his arrival from Los Angeles, California.
The mayor was cited in contempt during the last hearing on 17 March along with Joseph Yu and Jonathan Yu, president and vice president, respectively, of Aquadata Inc. The congressional panel said Dolor’s repeated refusal to attend the investigation without legal excuse violated House rules.