Bengzon Jr. vs.

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee

Facts:

Spouses Romualdez, by allegedly acting in unlawful concert with Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos and
taking undue influence and connection with them, were being accused before the Sandiganbayan of
engaging in schemes and devices to unjustly enrich themselves at the expense of the Filipino people.
Meanwhile, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee started its investigation on the matter and subpoenaed
the petitioners to testify on the alleged sale of 36 corporations belonging to Romualdez to the brother-
in-law of the president, which is one of the principal causes of action in their case before the
Sandiganbayan.

Petitioners’ Contention:

The Committee’s inquiry had no valid legislative purpose, it is not done in aid of the legislation, and the
inquiry violates their right to due process. They further assailed that the publicity generated could
adversely affect their rights in the pending case before the Sandiganbayan.

Issue:

Did the committee exceed their authority in requiring the petitioners to testify before it?

Ruling:

Yes. Article 6 Sec. 21 provides that the rights of the persons appearing in such inquiries shall be
respected. The petitioner’s right to self incrimination must be respected. It appears that the inquiry by
the committee is not really in aid of legislation since the aim of the investigation is to find out whether
or not the relatives of the President had violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, a matter
within the province of courts rather than the legislature. Petition to prohibit the petitioners to testify
granted.