(Eagle News) — Senators have allowed the public release of “vital information” given by John Paul Solano about the death of hazing victim Horacio Castillo III during an executive session last month.
This was after the Senate adopted Resolution No. 529 that gave the chairmen of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, and the Senate committee on justice and human rights, the authority to make public the testimony given in the session attended by Senators Panfilo Lacson, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Sherwin Gatchalian and Bam Aquino on Sept. 25.
The executive session was convened by Lacson, after Solano refused to divulge such information during the joint hearing conducted by the committee on public order and dangerous drugs, and the committee on justice and human rights being held at that time.
Lacson was the presiding chair of the joint hearing.
Twenty-three senators voted for the adoption of the resolution.
Only Senator Leila de Lima, who is detained for drug-related cases, did not vote.
No sworn affidavit
In deciding to make the information public, the senators–through the resolution— noted that despite the conduct of two preliminary investigations, Solano, a primary suspect in the death of Castillo, has yet to “execute a sworn affidavit and make public all personal knowledge he has” on the University of Sto. Tomas law freshman’s death.
They said “vital information that will help authorities solve the case, prosecute the culprits and give justice” to Castillo’s death was divulged by Solano during the session.
Under Section 11 (3) of the Senate Rules of Procedure Governing In Aid of Legislation, they said testimony given during an executive session could be made public if it was authorized by the committee in question.
Under Section 128 of the Rules of the Senate, on the other hand, they noted that the “ban of secrecy” under which the Senate President, senators, and employees should be subjected in those cases could be lifted by a 2/3 vote of all Upper House members.
“Now therefore, be it resolved as hereby resolved to authorize the chairmen of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, and the Senate committee on justice and human rights, to make public the testimony..,” they said.