The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability issued another contempt order against Office of the Vice President (OVP) official Lemuel Ortonio after he failed to attend an inquiry regarding the office’s budget usage. Ako Bicol party-list Representative Raul Angelo Bongalon moved for the contempt order, stating that Ortonio’s actions demonstrated disrespect toward the committee.
Bongalon highlighted Ortonio’s failure to appear despite assurances made in a letter requesting the lifting of an earlier contempt order. “This is continued defiance of a lawful order of this committee and a sign of disrespect,” Bongalon said.
Manila Representative Joel Chua, chair of the committee, approved the motion without objection, with Ortonio set to face 10 days of detention at Bicutan jail in Taguig.
Previously, the committee had also cited Gina Acosta, Edward Fajarda, and Sunshine Fajarda for contempt for missing hearings despite formal invitations. The committee secretary reported that these officials claimed they were on official travel, but no proof was provided, rendering their excuse insufficient.
The Department of Justice has issued an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) for Ortonio, Acosta, and the two Fajardas, among others.
