Atty. Emily Rose Torrentira, chief of legal affairs for the Office of the Vice President, was dismissed from a hearing of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on Monday after showing up uninvited and refusing to take her oath.
Torrentira arrived at the hearing without prior notice and attempted to explain why certain invited individuals had not received their subpoenas. However, her refusal to swear in before the committee raised immediate concerns.
“Prior to being asked to take the oath, I was trying to explain, Your Honor, that I am not an invited resource person; second, that I’ve only been asked now to explain why there was no receipt for subpoena for the persons who are not present here,” Torrentira said.
Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano questioned Torrentira’s presence, noting that her attendance had not been announced, and she was not on the list of invited participants.
“Your Honor, I am the chief of legal affairs of the Office of the Vice President. I am here to represent the institution, Your Honor,” Torrentira responded, defending her presence.
“Before talking, you should take your oath, because that is on record. You are a lawyer, you know that,” Paduano insisted.
Rep. David Suarez also expressed concern about Torrentira’s unannounced appearance and lack of prior communication with the committee.
“Has she forwarded any explanation written as to her attendance?” Suarez asked.
Torrentira attempted to respond but was interrupted when a motion was made to suspend the hearing for five minutes to discuss the matter.
“First and foremost, since the good lawyer has no written authority coming from the Vice President, second is that she never took her oath; so Mr. Chairman, first, I move that we strike out on record all the statements made by the attorney,” Paduano requested.
Paduano’s motion to remove Torrentira’s statements from the official record was granted by committee chair Joel Chua. He then moved to excuse the OVP lawyer from the hearing.
Torrentira attempted to protest, but was cut off by Chua.
“You are out of order. You are not recognized,” Chua said, ending the matter and dismissing Torrentira from the session.
The committee resumed its proceedings after a brief suspension. (by Paula Bien Valero)