Philippine mayor arrested, escorted to graft hearing

Manila - The mayor of the Philippines' main financial district has been arrested for contempt and escorted to a Senate hearing to answer allegations of corruption after he repeatedly snubbed the legislature.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr was picked up by Senate security personnel on Thursday on orders of lawmakers investigating allegedly anomalous contracts in the city. Binay Jr succeeded his father Jejomar Binay as mayor of the country's wealthiest city after the latter was elected vice president in 2010.

He refused to answer questions on advice of his lawyers and was released after three hours.

The Binays have emerged as a powerful political dynasty and the father has been mentioned as a possible presidential contender in 2016. They have been dogged by criticism of nepotism and alleged corruption, which they deny.