Bauan Mayor Ryanh Dolor was detained at the House of Representatives detention facility on Thursday after he was cited in contempt for continuous absence from the lower chamber’s hearings.
House Sergeant-at-Arms Napoleon Taas confirmed that Dolor was taken into custody at Ninoy Aquino International Airport shortly after arriving from California past midnight.
Last Monday, the House Committee on Public Accounts cited Dolor in contempt for repeatedly failing to attend hearings on the privatization of the Bauan Waterworks System despite multiple summons.
Before deciding on the contempt citation, the committee had previously issued three invitations, a show cause order, and a subpoena.
Dolor’s office presented a travel authority authorized by Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, allowing him to travel to the United States from March 11 to 26 for medical reasons.
However, lawmakers raised concerns over the absence of medical records or a detailed explanation in the letter and the timing of Dolor’s extended travel authorization.
Dolor underwent a medical examination before being transferred to the House of Representatives detention facility.
In addition to the Bauan mayor, the House panel also cited top Aquadata Inc. officials in contempt and ordered their detention.
The investigation was initiated through House Resolution No. 2148, which called for a probe into alleged misuse of public funds and irregularities in the Bauan local government’s dealings with Aquadata Inc.
According to the resolution, the Commission on Audit (COA) issued a Notice of Disallowance, citing irregularities in the bidding process and transactions with the company.
Despite these concerns, Aquadata was awarded a contract even though it allegedly failed to meet legal and financial qualifications.
The COA also found that Bauan entered a holdover agreement with the company, further exacerbating the town’s financial losses.
Dolor will remain in detention until the committee hearings conclude.
