Senator Calls for Probe on Paid Witness Testimony Allegations
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robin Padilla has pushed for a thorough investigation into claims that witnesses are being paid to testify in Senate hearings. This call for action aims to protect the integrity of the legislative process by exposing unethical practices and safeguarding public trust.
According to the senator, addressing these allegations is crucial to ensure fairness and accountability during public hearings. He emphasized that investigating these claims will help determine the Senate’s vulnerability to such misconduct and recommend measures to prevent it.
Details of the Allegations and Resolution
Padilla filed a still unnumbered resolution citing reports that certain individuals have allegedly offered money or other incentives to witnesses in exchange for testimony supporting a specific narrative. “Such allegations, if proven true, compromise the credibility and truthfulness of inquiries and erode public trust in the legislative process,” he said.
The senator urged the Senate to hold accountable those responsible for these unethical acts and to strengthen safeguards that protect legislative integrity.
Context Behind the Investigation
This proposed investigation follows a viral video featuring former Senate witness Michael Maurilio, also known as “Rene.” Maurilio claimed that Senator Risa Hontiveros paid him ₱1 million to testify against jailed Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Vice President Sara Duterte.
Hontiveros strongly denied these allegations and has filed cyberlibel complaints against Maurilio, the person managing the YouTube channel and Facebook page that posted the video, and others who allegedly spread false statements against her.
Senate Probe Led by Hontiveros
As chair of the Senate committee on women, Hontiveros spearheaded the investigation into Quiboloy’s alleged involvement in human trafficking, rape, and other human rights abuses. In February last year, Maurilio testified that he witnessed the Dutertes visiting the KOJC’s Glory Mountain Compound in Barangay Tamayong, Davao City, carrying a bag of firearms as they left.
Maurilio, a former KOJC member, worked as a landscaper at the compound, lending some credibility to his statements according to local sources.
Senator Padilla’s resolution aims to delve deeper into the truth behind these claims of paid testimony, reinforcing the need for transparency in legislative inquiries. He stressed, “It is imperative for the Senate to investigate the allegations to determine the institution’s vulnerability to such unethical activities and to recommend measures that will protect the integrity of the legislative process, and hold accountable and penalize the proponents of such unethical practices.”
For more news and updates on Senate investigations, visit Filipinokami.com.
