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Lawyers group reminds Congress on limitations during inquiries in aid of legislation

Philippines | National

Lawyers group reminds Congress on limitations during inquiries in aid of legislation

By Rey G. Panaligan

A group of Quezon City lawyers has reminded Congress of the rights of persons subpoenaed either as resource persons or witnesses in the conduct of investigations in aid of legislation.

In a three-page manifesto, the Quezon City Trial Lawyers League (QCTLL) said resource persons or witnesses have the rights against self-incrimination and privacy.

Citing the Senate investigations, the QCTLL -- through group president Victor D. Rodriguez -- said that the witnesses should not be allowed to speculate, and make conclusions and opinions on the facts unless qualified as an expert.

“If he (the witness or resource person) does not have any personal knowledge of the facts in inquiry, he just has to say that he has no personal knowledge,” the QCTLL said.

In holding witnesses or resource persons in contempt, the lawyers group cited a 2023 Supreme Court (SC) ruling which held that a resource person cited for contempt by the investigating committee should only be detained until the termination of the legislative inquiry.

In the case of the Senate, the QCTLL said that the SC had also ruled that the Senate’s would have to be terminated in two instances -- upon approval or disapproval of the committee report, which is within 15 days after conclusion of the inquiry and upon expiration of the Congress.

At the same time, the group pointed out three limitations on the power of legislative investigations – the inquiry must be in aid of legislation, the inquiry must be conducted in accordance with its duly published Rules of Procedures, and the rights of persons appearing in or affected by such inquiries shall be respected.

It then urged the public to monitor proceedings during Senate inquiries and to voice out their observations with regard to the Senators compliance with their limitations.

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