Actress Maricel Soriano appeared at the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs’ second hearing on Tuesday regarding the so-called “PDEA leaks,” which listed high-profile individuals, including herself and President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., as alleged drug users.
Committee chair Senator Ronald dela Rosa acknowledged Soriano’s presence, noting her tense demeanor. “I encourage you to relax and have a drink of water,” he said during the proceedings.
Former Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa was also expected to attend but cited scheduling conflicts. “By the time I received the invitation, I had commitments that I could not reschedule or cancel,” Ochoa explained in his letter to the committee.
Senator Dela Rosa emphasized the significance of Ochoa’s future cooperation, stating that a subpoena would be issued to ensure his presence at the next hearing. Ochoa has been previously accused of interfering with an anti-illegal drugs operation.