One of the individuals linked to the so-called “Angara 5” may face arrest for repeatedly skipping Senate hearings on alleged irregularities in flood control projects, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said.
Lacson, who chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, said former Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar ignored previous invitations to attend the probe and has again been summoned to the committee’s next hearing scheduled on January 19.
He warned that a warrant of arrest may be issued if Olaivar continues to defy the Senate’s authority.
“Olaivar and company were invited but did not show up. We already subpoenaed them. If they still won’t show up, we can issue warrants for their arrest,” Lacson said in a radio interview over the weekend.
Also absent during the panel’s November hearing were former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, businessman Meynard Ngu, and former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co.
Earlier, whistleblower and former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified that Olaivar allegedly facilitated funding for the questioned flood control projects and collected a 12% kickback purportedly intended for Education Secretary Sonny Angara, a former senator and ex-chair of the Senate finance committee.
Olaivar, a fraternity brother of Angara in Sigma Rho, has been identified as part of the alleged “Angara 5,” described as a group of political operators linked to the education chief.