JOSE F.S. BENGZON, JR. vs.

THE SENATE BLUE RIBBON COMMITTEE

G.R. No. 89914, November 20, 1991

TOPIC: LEGISLATIVE INQUIRY

FACTS:
It was alleged that Benjamin 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. 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. Enrile subsequently took
advantage of the Senate’s privilege hour upon which he insisted to have an inquiry regarding the
matter. The SBRC rejected Lopa’s and Bengzon’s plea. Hence this petition.
ISSUE:
Whether or not the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s inquiry was in aid of legislation.
RULING:
NO. The purpose of the inquiry to be conducted by the Blue Ribbon Committee was to
find out whether or not the relatives of Cory, particularly Lopa, had violated the law in
connection with the alleged sale of the 36 or39 corporations belonging to Kokoy to the Lopa
Group. There appears to be, therefore, no intended legislation involved. Hence, the contemplated
inquiry by the SBRC is not really “in aid of legislation” because it is not related to a purpose
within the jurisdiction of Congress.