(POLITIKO) The former employer of domestic helper Elvie Vergara, who allegedly abused her for several years, was cited in contempt by a Senate panel Tuesday (September 19).
The motion to cite France Ruiz in contempt was made by Senator Jinggoy Estrada during the hearing of the Senate committee on justice and human rights. It was seconded by Senator Ronald Dela Rosa.
Senator Francis Tolentino, the committee chairman, said Ruiz will be detained at the Senate “for continuously evading the questions propounded by the members of this committee, as well as falsely testifying under direct examination by committee members.”
Ruiz and her husband are accused of maltreating Vergara since 2020, with the household help’s injuries allegedly resulting in her partial blindness.
The Senate wants Vergara to be placed under the witness protection program for her safety.