The Supreme Court has upheld the legality of the subpoena issued by the Senate Committee requiring dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo to testify on inquiry into the alleged illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) activities.
In a decision released on August 15, the ruling penned by Associate Justice Japar Dimaampao, the SC En Banc junked Guo’s petition questioning the legality of the subpoena and seeking to prohibit the Senate committee.
The SC ruled that the Senate did "not violate Guo’s rights and stressed that the inquiry was a legitimate exercise of power aimed authority at protecting the public interest and upholding the law."
It cited Article VI, Section 21 of the Constitution, the Senate and its committees may conduct inquiries in aid of legislation, provided that they observe the established rules of procedure and respect the rights of the persons involved.
“The SC found that the Committee’s investigation into illegal Pogo (Philippine offshore gaming operator) operations in Bamban, Tarlac, was within its authority,” the SC said in a statement.
In July 2024, the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, then chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros, conducted an inquiry.
The SC noted that Guo was invited as a resource person not as an accused.
"On privacy concerns, the SC noted that public officials have a limited expectation of privacy when their actions involve official functions or matters of national interest," said SC.
Guo attended the initial hearings, where she was asked about her identify, alleged connection to certain individuals, as well as her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), and business records.
However, after failing to appear in two succeeding hearings, the Senate cited her in contempt and issued an arrest order against Guo.
The Court upheld the Senate’s decision to cite Guo in contempt for skipping hearings, leaving the country despite prior notice, and refusing to answer even basic questions.
"The SC affirmed that citing individuals for contempt is part of the Senate’s legislative powers," the SC emphasized.
