Senate Proceeds with Preliminary Inquiry on Ethics Complaint Against Senator Villar Before the Senate Committee of the Whole

BREAKING NEWS

14 May 2009   11:42am

Airing live at ANC right now is the preliminary inquiry of the ethics complaint against Senator Manny Villar.  Atty. Francisco is making a presentation of some of the evidence that will be used against Senator Manny Villar if and when the Senate committee of the whole decides to hear the case against him.  

On clarification by Senator Mar Roxas, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile made clear that, "This is not yet evidence. This is simply a presentation of what counsel (Atty. Francisco) is saying is evidence.  It is for us to determine whether to accept this or not and proceed with the hearing against the respondent."

The Senators I see present are:

1)  Senator Juan Ponce Enrile

2) Senator Richard Gordon

3) Senator Mar Roxas

4) Senator Noynoy Aquino

5) Senator Greg Honasan

6) Senator Jamby Madrigal

Senate President Enrile, "The chair will now declare the completion of the preliminary inquiry and close it and direct the general counsel and the special counsel of the Senate committee acting as a committee of the whole to prepare a report on the result of this preliminary inquiry for the signature of this chair until Saturday.  The report must be submitted on Saturday this week."

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile concluded the session with these words, "The next hearing will be on Monday at 9 o'clock in the morning.  Everybody is notified.  At that point, we will make a determination as to whether there is credible, substantial evidence presented at this preliminary inquiry.  Thereafter, we will make the necessary public announcement regarding the next step to be taken in connection with this case.  Motion to suspend.  Session is suspended until next Monday at 9 o'clock in the morning."   

 

ANC's Ricky Carandang is explaining to the TV audience the nature of the charges against Senator Villar, "In the connection of the Coastal Road and the South Superhighway ... where you see the green line is where the original road is supposed to be and where you see the red line is the extension allegedly made at the behest of Senator Villar where his companies allegedly profited."

I understand that earlier in the inquiry, Senator Pimentel and other Villar allies in the Senate staged a walkout. 

ANC's presentation entitled Senate hearing: Villar Ethics Complaint just ended, it's now 11:59am.