Senate eyes subpoenas vs absent Cabinet execs

The Senate is considering to send subpoenas to Cabinet officials who have been snubbing the chamber's investigation into the $329.5-million ZTE deal controversy. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, chair of the Senate blue ribbon committee, said Thursday the absence of Cabinet officials was in stark contrast to their full attendance – a supposed show of unity – last month. "We will ask the [Cabinet] secretaries in the next hearing to appear and continue to support this hearing, if not we will send subpoenas," Cayetano said. He said that while the Cabinet members involved in the deal showed up at the first and second hearings, towards the third and fourth hearings they were missing. Thursday's hearing is the fifth hearing. "Towards the third, fourth and fifth hearing there seems to be a change of heart. The government ... seemed to be judging their appearance day-by-day or hearing by hearing," Cayetano said. Cayetano said Transportation secretary Leandro Mendoza did not confirm attendance, while trade secretary Peter Favila begged off, citing health reasons. Finance Secretary Margarito Teves and former socioeconomic planning secretary Romulo Neri said they were on official travel. DOTC assistant secretary Elmer Soneja did not confirm his attendance. - GMANews.TV