House Body Cites Dayan in Contempt; Orders For His Arrest

The House of Representatives Committee on Justice on Monday cited in contempt and ordered the arrest of Ronnie Dayan, former driver of Senator Leila de Lima, for failure to appear before the congressional inquiry into the illegal drugs trade inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Fariñas led the motion of contempt citation, noting that Dayan has not provided a justifiable excuse for snubbing the House probe.

“During the last meeting, we initially cited him (Dayan) in contempt but I moved to reconsider it considering that he has not been given a chance to explain his failure to appear,” said Fariñas, adding that a show cause order was given to Dayan directing him to explain in writing within 24 hours from receipt why he should not be cited in contempt.

Fariñas said the show cause order was duly received by Paul Edward Dayan on Oct 8.

Twelve members, or more than two-thirds, of the House justice panel stood in favor of the motion.

“Ronnie Palisuc Dayan is therefore being held in contempt by this committee and correspondingly a warrant of arrest be issued against him to compel his presence,” said Mindoro Oriental Rep. Doy Leachon.

Several witnesses pinned Dayan as the alleged drug money bagman of former Justice Secretary and now Senator Leila de Lima. (PNA) LGI/FMC