By Hannah L. Torregoza
The Senate Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions, and Currencies held former Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista in contempt and ordered his arrest after he failed to show up anew at the panel’s investigation into his alleged unexplained wealth despite a subpoena issued against him yesterday.
Panel chairperson Sen. Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero said he would ask Senate President Koko Pimentel to issue the warrant of arrest against Bautista.
But in a letter submitted to the committee, the former poll chief asked that the subpoena be recalled, saying he has never received any invitation since he is currently abroad. The committee issued the subpoena against Bautista last Jan. 23 directing him to appear on Feb. 12.
According to Bautista, he has been out of the country since November last year “to explore professional opportunities abroad and more importantly, seek assistance for certain medical challenges.”
