THE House Judiciary and Governmental Operations Committee expects Gov. Ralph DLG Torres’ executive assistant, Frances “Kai” Dela Cruz, to appear before the panel at a hearing set for Nov. 16, at 10:30 a.m. in the House chamber.
Chaired by Rep. Celina R. Babauta, the committee subpoenaed Dela Cruz and other administration officials to answer questions pertaining to the governor’s public expenditures.
In particular, Dela Cruz will be asked questions about the governor’s travels and reimbursements for purchases and other expenses including utility bills.
Dela Cruz was originally scheduled to appear before the committee on Oct. 19, but her legal counsel, Viola Alepuyo, and the governor’s Washington D.C.-based lawyer, Ross Garber, objected to the subpoena and invoked testimonial immunity on behalf of the executive assistant.
As requested by the governor’s counsel, the House JGO committee accepted Dela Cruz’s affidavit.
However, in her latest letter to Alepuyo, Babauta said that although the committee appreciates Dela Cruz’s submission of an affidavit, it “was not responsive to the substance of several areas of concern outlined in our subpoena.”
In addition, Babauta said, “some matters were also raised in the affidavit that caused us concern.”
“Accordingly, we have questions that will require Ms. Dela Cruz’s presence in the House chamber,” Babauta added.
Because Dela Cruz remains lawfully subject to subpoena, Babauta said the committee “will expect her presence at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021.”
Rep. Celina R. Babauta speaks during a recent House session.
