Senate panel orders arrest of alleged Binay dummies

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) — The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Tuesday ordered the arrest of several individuals linked to Vice President Jejomar Binay and to cite them for contempt.

Sen. Teofisto "TG" Guingona III, head of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, approved the motion of Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III to cite in contempt  four members of the Chong family—Erlinda Chong, Irish Chong, Irene Chong and Kim Tun Chong—who have not appeared before the subcommittee hearings.

Guingona arrest also reinstated the outstanding arrest warrant against the Chongs.

[S] Blue Ribbon Cmte issues arrest order vs Erlinda Chong, Irish Chong, Irene Chong, and Kim Tun Chong. #senateph pic.twitter.com/ZN6G24BfnQ

— Senator TG Guingona (@TgGuingona) August 25, 2015

Jack Arroyo, Laureano Gregorio and Marguerite Lichnock, the wife of Gerry Limlingan, were also cited for contempt.

James Tiu, the brother of businessman Antonio Tiu, was also cited for contempt along with his wife Anne Lorraine.

The Blue Ribbon Committee also reinforced the arrest order against Eduviges “Ebeng” Baloloy, an aide of the vice president, and alleged Binay bagman Gerardo "Gerry" Limlingan.

Last May, the Senate committee ordered the arrest of 14 individuals who were cited in contempt for failure to attend the hearings on the corruption allegations against Binay.