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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Nancy Binay warns against using mental health problems to evade Senate probe

Nancy Binay warns against using mental health problems to evade Senate probe

Published Jul 11, 2024 02:28 am

Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay on Thursday, July 11, urged the Senate to be vigilant against resource persons who would use mental health problems as a convenient excuse to avoid congressional inquiries and investigations.

 

Binay made the call after the Senate committee on women and children cited in contempt Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo for failing to heed the panel’s subpoena and citing mental health problem as an excuse without presenting any certificate as proof in the letter of explanation she submitted to the panel. 

 

She said Guo's non-appearance before the Senate sends a dangerous message that mental health can be manipulated as a legal shield.

 

“There has been a concerning trend attempting to use mental health as a way to avoid appearing before the Senate,” Binay noted.

 

“Ang ayaw po nating mangyari ay magamit ang Senado, at maging precedent (We do not want this to be used in the Senate and eventually becomes a precedent),” she pointed out.

 

Binay warned that using mental health as a loophole to evade legal responsibilities not only harms the entire process if the inquiry but also perpetuates a stigma to those truly struggling with mental health issues.

 

"Ang sa akin lang, nakakahiya naman po doon sa mga tunay na may (it’s embarassing to those who are really experiencing a) mental health condition. I just would like to reiterate na seryosong usapin ang mental health at hindi ito dapat na ginagamit na dahilan para magsinungaling (that mental health is a serious issue and it should not be used as a reason to lie)," Binay pointed out during Wednesday's Senate hearing.

 

The lawmaker suggested designating a government psychologist and psychiatrist to validate medical reports or certifications of any mental health concerns by a resource person invited or subpoenaed by the Senate during investigations.

 

“Unless there is substantial proof of a severe and incapacitating condition, the state-appointed medical professional can make recommendations to the committee whether or not to require the resource person to appear,” she said.

Related Tags

Senate probe POGO-related crimes POGO industry Nancy Binay Mental health wellness Alice Guo
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