THE Supreme Court (SC) on Friday affirmed the validity of a subpoena issued by the Senate against ousted Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo to testify in its inquiry into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities in the town.
Last year, the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros, held public hearings to investigate POGO operations in the country.
In an en banc decision penned by Associate Justice Japar Dimaampao, the High Tribunal dismissed Guo’s petition asking the SC to prohibit the Senate panel from inviting her as a resource person.
The Senate hearings followed the Constitution and the Senate Rules of Procedure, the SC resolution stated, adding that Guo’s rights were not violated.
The SC also ruled that the inquiry was a legitimate exercise of legislative power that aims to protect public interest.
The SC cited Article VI, Section 21 of the Constitution which provides that the Senate and its committees can conduct inquiries in aid of legislation such that the Hontiveros’ committee was within its authority to conduct the probe.
It clarified, however, that the purpose of a legislative inquiry is not to find guilt of the respondents, but to ensure effective legislation.
