Sen. Gordon issued the threat after it was learned that Matobato already submitted an affidavit mentioning his supposed participation in the Davao Death Squad when he denied earlier executing one.
"Isipin mo ang sasagutin mo, isipin mo na dapat totoo ang sasabihin mo dahil walang lusot dito. We are investigating, we have to interpellate, kailangang palabasin ang totoo otherwise I will hold you in contempt," Gordon
To ease the tension, Gordon stated his threat in a mix of Filipino and English.
“In Tagalog iko-contempt kita. E wala namang Tagalog iyong contempt. Pinapatawa ko lang kayo para mawala ang tension baka may dutdutan na naman tayo dito,” he said, referring to the incident last hearing when Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV turned off the microphone of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano to stop the latter from talking.
"When the case was referred to us, the order was for us to evaluate his case as regards to his participation as member of the Davao Death Squad and ordeal with PNP Davao," said Joel Tuvera, now chief of NBI Anti-Illegal Drug Division.
Cayetano then asked Matobato why was he lying to the committee. The witness reiterated that the complaint he filed was mainly about the torture.
Sen. Leila de Lima then appealed to his colleagues to give Matobato some leeway.
"Kailangan nating maintindihan na itong proceedings ngayon is not a form of judicial proceedings but fact finding. Huwag naman ganun na masyadong istrikto. I'm appealing to give him some consideration. This is not a court of law, bigyan natin siya ng consideration, huwag namang nagbabasa ng English at nagtatanong ng English," she said.
Matobato only reached Grade 1.
But Gordon stressed that witnesses should not expect any kid glove treatment in the Senate.
"Don't come here and expect a kindergarten treatment. There will always be these cross examination method," he said.