Manila — Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman, Senator Richard Gordon has approved the new protective custody for Bureau of Customs (BOC) ‘fixer’ Mark Taguba on Monday, September 11.
The decision was made after Senator Panfilo Lacson, during the senate hearing on P6.4-Billion shabu shipment from China, motioned to restore the protective custody of Taguba.
“May I manifest, your honor, that Mark Taguba be given a new protective custody or protection by our Senate security.”, Lacson said.
The committee chairman, on the other hand, agreed the motion of Senator Lacson after receiving no objection from the committee members.
“There being no objection, all the motions made by Senator Lacson are hereby approved.”, Gordon said
Furthermore, Gordon clarified that the decision to lift the protection custody of Taguba was implemented upon the request of Sergeant-At-Arms Jose Balajadia, Jr.
“It’s apparent that we’re spending resources guarding Taguba with four or six security people… It’s a request made legitimately by the sergeant-at-arms.”, Gordon said.
The Senator also explained that Taguba’s statement against the president’s family has nothing to do with the removal of the protective custody, and added that he is taking full responsibility of the development. (Angelica Bobiles – PTV)
