Manila, Philippines - Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri reflected on the Supreme Court's recent decision regarding the Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. executives' petition, emphasizing the need for due process in Senate proceedings. During the Senate plenary debates for the Judiciary's proposed 2024 budget, Zubiri highlighted this decision as a reminder to Senate committee chairpersons about the proper exercise of contempt powers.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Supreme Court's decision, which found that the Senate had acted with grave abuse of discretion in the Pharmally case, serves as a guide for how the Senate should handle future proceedings. The issue arose from the previous Congress's investigation into Pharmally's contract with the government for COVID-19 medical supplies, during which the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee cited Lincoln Ong and Michael Yang for allegedly giving "false and evasive" answers. Senator Sonny Angara, the sponsor of the Judiciary's budget, echoed Zubiri's sentiments, noting that the Supreme Court did not question the Senate's power to cite witnesses in contempt but stressed the importance of due process.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, who participated in the Blue Ribbon Committee's investigation, stated that the Supreme Court ruling did not absolve Ong and Yang of the serious accusations discussed in the hearings. She pointed out that the Office of the Ombudsman has recommended filing criminal complaints against Ong, former PS-DBM head Lloyd Christopher Lao, and others involved in the Pharmally scandal. Hontiveros expressed satisfaction that the Supreme Court upheld the Senate's power to hold persons in contempt and compel witness cooperation in legislative hearings. She highlighted the crucial role of Senate investigations in improving laws, exposing corruption, and addressing other public service issues.
Zubiri has requested the Senate Legal Division to prepare a memorandum detailing the Supreme Court's decision in layman's terms to guide future Senate inquiries and ensure adherence to due process standards.