The Senate Committee on Agriculture on Wednesday ordered Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Director Elizer Salilig to explain why he should not be cited in contempt after failing to attend a scheduled hearing without prior notice.
Committee chair Senator Kiko Pangilinan said Salilig’s absence, coupled with the delayed arrival of his representatives, disrupted the proceedings and prompted senators to seek accountability from the fisheries agency.
“He failed to inform this committee that he would not be able to attend,” Pangilinan said.
“And therefore, this chair will entertain a show-cause motion for… Salilig to explain why he should not be cited in contempt of this committee for failure to properly inform this committee of his absence… and for delaying the proceedings of this committee,” he added.
The hearing focused on proposed Senate measures aimed at improving fisheries governance, safeguarding the rights of municipal fisherfolk, and providing support mechanisms such as fuel subsidies and incentives for Bantay Dagat personnel.
During the discussion, Senator Loren Legarda also called out the absence of key officials from the Department of Agriculture, contrasting it with their consistent presence during budget deliberations.
“Pag sila’y humihingi ng kanilang taon-taon na budget, nandito lahat at nag-aantay maski overnight. Pero pag mga panukalang batas na naapektuhan pa rin at lalo na ang taumbayan, ay wala sila,” Legarda said.
“Hindi pwedeng binabalewala ng executive department ang Senate committee hearings… Everybody should come prepared,” she added.
BFAR Assistant Director Isidro Velayo Jr., who arrived nearly 40 minutes after the hearing began, apologized to the panel.
He explained that he had been notified only a day earlier that he would represent the agency following a “short briefing” with Salilig and due to a simultaneous hearing at the House of Representatives.
The committee has directed Salilig to submit a formal explanation as it weighs possible sanctions over the incident.