But upon the advice of his counsel, he refused to participate in executive sessions to disclose information about the government’s contract with Pharmally prompting the Senate to cite him in contempt and order his detention.
He added that “for a finding of guilt and the consequent imposition of a punishment for false testimony, the same being a crime defined law, it must be proved beyond reasonable doubt. The person charged thereof is entitled to all the rights of the accused in a criminal prosecution as provided by the Constitution, including the presumption of innocence and the right to notice and hearing, among others.
He added that the assailed rules of the Blue Ribbon Committee, which became the basis for a contempt order against him and his subsequent arrest and detention, should be struck down for being vague.
T2TupasINQ Pagmayaman, due process. Pagmahirap, dedz. Tanginang yan!