The House Committee on Good Government has issued a subpoena for Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos on the alleged misuse of her province's shares from the excise taxes on locally manufactured Virginia-type cigarettes.

The probe, initiated by Ilocos Norte representative and House Majority Leader Rodolfo Farinas, alleged that the funds were used in "highly irregular purchase of motor vehicles made through cash advances without the benefit of public bidding for the total amount of P66.45 million."

The committee earlier cited provincial treasurer Josephine Calajate, Encarnacio Gaor and Genedine Jambaro of the provincial treasurer's office; Pedro Agcaoili, chair of the Bids and Awards Committee; and provincial accountant Eden Batulayan in contempt.

They have all been detained at the lower House.

Farinas said the officials were evasive in answering questions about documents and transactions.

Marcos skipped the hearing at the lower House.