Escudero issues show cause order vs Lacanilao
Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero issued on Friday, April 11, 2025, a show cause order against Special Envoy on Transnational Crime Markus V. Lacanilao, directing him to explain why he should not be cited in contempt for allegedly lying at the Senate panel on foreign relations’ public inquiry on ex-President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest. SENATE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis Escudero has signed a show cause order against Special Envoy on Transnational Crime Markus V. Lacanilao, directing him to explain why he should not be cited in contempt for allegedly lying during the Senate committee on foreign relations’ inquiry into the arrest of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte.
Escudero confirmed the matter in a statement on Friday, saying that he asked Lacanilao to respond within five days after receiving the show-cause order.
READ: Imee Marcos: Escudero stops contempt appeal, orders release of Lacanilao
“Ambassador Lacanilao is hereby ordered to show cause within five days from receipt of this order why he should not be ordered arrested and detained at the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms,” the Senate chief said.
He also instructed the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms to report to the Office of the Senate President within 24 hours after serving the show cause order.
“This show-cause order is a necessary step to ensure accountability and reinforce the principles of transparency and justice that guide our work,” the Senate leader said.
Earlier, Escudero said he would decide whether to sign Lacanilao’s arrest or detention only thereafter.
The show-cause order was issued after panel head Sen. Imee Marcos claimed the Senate chief refused to sign the committee’s contempt order.
According to Escudero, he is willing to “comply with the requisites of due process” hence the issuance of the show cause order.
READ: Escudero tells Sen, Marcos: `Don’t use Senate a partisan politics platform
In a statement early Friday, Escudero refuted Marcos’ claim that he refused to sign the contempt order of Lacanilao and said he was willing to comply with the “requisites of due process.”
