Senate resumes hearing on jueteng, invites personalities

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate Blue Ribbon committee will resume today the hearing on jueteng controversy, with all personalities mentioned by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago in her earlier privilege speech invited to attend.

Blue Ribbon chairman Teofisto Guingona III has also invited those identified by retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz.

Included in the list were Rodolfo “Bong” Pineda, Danny Soriano, Tony Santos, Aging Lisan and Atong Ang, tagged as an operator in Cagayan.

Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson was also invited but has not notified the committee if he would attend.

Former Interior secretary Ronaldo Puno was also on the list.

Summons were also sent to lawyer Ferdinand Rojas II, general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO); Romualdo Quiones, manager, Special Project Department, PCSO; Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda; former Pampanga Gov. Fr. Ed Panlilio; retired police general Eugene Martin; retired Chief Superintendent Ricardo Padilla; retired Supt. Rey Cahuela; Boy Jalandoni; Eddie Fontanilla; Bonito Singson; Ronald Lim; Elmer Nepomuceno; Boyet Aranza; and Totoy Haruta.

Also invited were Cesar Reyes, Eddie Gonzales, a certain Urduna/ Boy Ata, Col. De los Santos, Don Ramon, a certain Sanchez and Santiago. Guingona said he wanted those concerned to be given a chance to defend themselves at the Senate.

“This is to give everyone a chance to air his side,” he said.

The fourth hearing on the jueteng issue will be held at the Senate session hall at 9 a.m.

Christina Mendez, Philippine Star