Villar allies no-show in Senate, stall vote on ethics rap

Allies of Senator Manny Villar were a no-show on Wednesday when the Senate resumed its session to discuss and probably vote on the ethics committee complaint that was filed against him.
Only 11 senators showed up at the session hall, not enough to conduct business.
Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile, who presided over the session, said the absence of the opposition group in the Senate was an "attempt" to prevent the disposition of the C-5 road project controversy.
"Some members opted not to attend the session to prevent the disposition of this matter," he further said.
Because of lack of quorum, Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri then moved for the adjournment of the session but was stopped by Senator Ana Consuelo "Jamby" Madrigal.
Madrigal is the complainant in the ethics case filed against Villar, who allegedly used his position to benefit from the road project.
Madrigal invoked the rules of the committee, which would allow the Senate leader to order the arrest of the absent senators.
But Enrile rejected Madrigal's motion, saying he will like to be compassionate to colleagues.
Zubiri moved for the adjournment of the session.
Congress will resume session on May 31.

Source: Inquirer.net