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Dela Paz now ready to face music, lawyer says


MANILA, Philippines – After trying to evade the Senate’s inquiry on the so-called “euro generals" controversy, retired former Philippine National Police (PNP) comptroller Eliseo dela Paz is now ready to face the music, according to his lawyer. In an interview aired over QTV’s Balitanghali, Dela Paz’s lawyer Noel Malaya said he and his client will proceed to the Senate upon his return to Manila from his province within the day. “Ang usapan namin ay tutuloy kami sa Senado. … Palagay ko naman ay handa siya (We agreed that we will proceed to the Senate. … I think he is ready)," Malaya said. The Senate’s Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms on Tuesday evening failed to arrest Dela Paz at his quarters in Camp Crame, the national police headquarters. Malaya accepted the arrest order on behalf of Dela Paz, who he said was in La Union visiting some relatives. He also clarified that Dela Paz has no intention to hide or evade the Senate inquiry. “Hindi siya nagtatago. ‘Yung mga nag-iisip na kung bakit wala siya sa quarters ito ay dahil siya ay retirado na (He is not in hiding. He is allowed to leave his quarters because he is already retired)" Malaya said. Dela Paz and his wife, Maria Fe were held at the Moscow airport on October 11 for holding an undeclared amount of 105,000 euros or P6.9 million in cash advances. The amount exceeded the allowed $10,000 (roughly 7,700 euros or P480,000). He failed to attend the Senate foreign relations committee hearing on the Moscow mess on October 23, arguing that the committee has no jurisdiction over the case. His lawyer has asked the Supreme Court to stop the Senate investigation, saying the foreign relations committee chaired by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago has no business investigating the scandal. – Sophia M. Dedace, GMANews.TV
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