PANEL MEMBERS SPLIT ON DECISION ABOUT VIDEOTAPE.

Byline: Rick Orlov Daily News Staff Writer

The three San Fernando Valley-area congressmen who will attend the House Judiciary Committee's closed session today remain as divided as the American public over the release of President Clinton's videotaped testimony.

Rep. James Rogan, R-Pasadena, said he firmly supports release of the grand jury videotape, with the belief public hearings could begin as early as next month. Rep. Howard Berman, D-Mission Hills, said he would not comment on the matter, while Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Oxnard, said he had made no decision.

Rogan pointed out that it was Clinton's attorneys who insisted the president testify via videotape from the White House. ``The president did not want to appear in court, Rogan said.

``(Clinton's attorneys said) the videotape gave his testimony in full context. That's why testimony was videotaped, so that people would not only be able to read a transcript, but also to gauge the president's demeanor,'' Rogan said.

Gallegly said he has begun his review of the report by Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr, but was not prepared to discuss it.

``I favor releasing as much of the relevant evidence as possible, without compromising the grand jury process, hurting innocent parties or releasing information that unnecessarily embarrasses people,'' Gallegly said in a statement.

``I have made no decisions on the release of any of the materials or the case against President Clinton.''