Bengzon, Jr.

vs Senate Blue Ribbon Committee 203 scra 767 (1991)

Facts:
It was alleged that Benjamin “Kokoy” Romualdez and his wife together with the
Marcoses unlawfully and unjustly enriched themselves at the expense of the Filipino
people. That they obtained with the help of the Bengzon Law Office and Ricardo Lopa –
Cory’s brother in law. Senator Juan Ponce Enrile subsequently delivered a privilege
speech alleging that Lopa took over various government owned corporations which is in
violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Contained in the speech is a
motion to investigate on the matter. The motion was referred to the Committee on
Accountability of Public Officers or the Blue Ribbon Committee. After committee
hearing, Lopa refused to testify, Bengzon likewise refused invoking his right to due
process. Claiming that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee requiring their attendance
and testimony in proceedings before the Committee, in excess of its jurisdiction and
legislative purpose violates their constitutional rights, Bengzon then filed a petition for
prohibition with a prayer for temporary restraining order and/or injunctive relief against
the SBRC.

ISSUE:
Whether or not the Blue Ribbon inquiry was in aid of legislation, considering that it
violates the petitioner’s constitutional rights.

HELD:
No, the inquiry cannot be given due course.

Article 6 section 21 of the constitution provides in part “The Senate or the House of
Representatives or any of its respective committees may conduct inquiries in aid of
legislation in accordance with its duly published rules of procedure”.

In this case there appears to be no intended legislation involved. The purpose of the
inquiry to be conducted is not related to a purpose within the jurisdiction of Congress, it
was conducted to find out whether or not the relatives of President Aquino, particularly
Mr. Lopa had violated RA 3019 in connection with the alleged sale of the 36 or 39
corporations belonging to Benjamin "Kokoy" Romualdez to the Lopa Group.