Senator Risa Hontiveros insisted that the Senate should have custody of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo to ensure her attendance at the Senate hearing that will take place on Monday.
"Dapat sa Senado muna siya mai-detain para makaharap sa hearing sa Lunes," Hontiveros said in a video statement on Friday.
According to Hontiveros, she respects the judiciary's authority to issue warrants, but the Senate holds the first arrest warrant for Guo.
"Ang Senado ang nagtrigger ng manhunt. Senate warrant ang bitbit ng ating law enforcers sa Jakarta," Hontiveros stressed.
Hontiveros argued that the Supreme Court has made it clear in the Binay vs. Sandiganbayan case that criminal cases involving municipal mayors are within the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan, not the Regional Trial Court.
Hontiveros is questioning the issuance of the warrant by the Tarlac court and the decision to transport her to Tarlac.
"Hiniling ko na General Ancan ng OSAA na sumunod doon para mamonitor ang mga pangyayari doon," said Hontiveros.
"Pagkatapos siyang iprocess ng NBI o PNP, kailangang maiturnover na siya sa OSAA. That was clear from the very start and that was the commitment of NBI Director Santiago," she added.
Hontiveros also questions Guo's decision to forgo bail to remain in PNP custody rather than being transferred to the Senate.
"Why does she want to be in a jail more than in the Senate detention facility?” the senator said in closing.
'ANG SENADO ANG MAY PINAKAUNANG ARREST WARRANT LABAN SA KANIYA'
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) September 6, 2024
WATCH: Ayon kay Sen. @risahontiveros, upang matiyak ang pagharap ni dismissed mayor ng Bamban, Tarlac na si Alice Guo, dapat lamang na ang kustodiya niya ay sa Senado. | RH 28 @RaymundDadpaas, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/L4EHBDPCcp
