The Supreme Court (SC) denied former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's petition for a writ of amparo against the House of Representatives' quad-committee.
“The court denied Roque’s prayer for the writ of Amparo. It held that Amparo is not the proper remedy against congressional contempt and detention orders,” SC Spokesperson Atty. Camille Sue Mae Ting said in a press conference on Tuesday.
“The scope of Amparo is limited to extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances or threats thereof which are not present in this case,” she added.
Individuals facing threats or violations of their rights to life, liberty, and security can seek relief through a petition for a writ of amparo, which addresses unlawful actions or omissions by public officials, employees, or private entities.
Roque is also seeking a ruling to stop Congress from carrying out its contempt order against him.
Ting then clarified that the petition for writ of amparo is denied but the petition for prohibition is still ongoing.
Therefore, the Supreme Court has instructed the House quad-committee to respond to the petition for prohibition filed by Roque within 10 days of receiving the Court's resolution.
Roque’s daughter, Bianca Hacintha, represented him in submitting the petition.
On September 12, Roque was cited in contempt by the quad-comm for failure to submit required documents in connection to his assets.
The quad-committee ordered Roque to be detained on the House premises until he submits the required documents or until the investigation is concluded.
The ex-spox was also cited in contempt on August 22 for lying about his absence from the first committee hearing held on August 16 in Porac, Pampanga, where he received a 24-hour detention in the House.
Authorities previously uncovered evidence connecting Roque to Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub that was raided by authorities in Porac, Pampanga last September 26, 2023.
