SC Denies Immunity of PCGG from Senate Inquiry

Senator Richard J. Gordon, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises, yesterday lauded the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision (15-0) denying the claim of immunity by the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) under Executive Order No. 1.

“Just like God, the Supreme Court always answers prayers. Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes it is no. I am glad that the Supreme Court has now answered PCGG’s prayer for immunity and the answer is no,” said Gordon.

According to Gordon, the PCGG Commissioners have no more excuse to hide from the scrutiny of the people through their elected representatives in the Senate. “No one is above the law,” said Gordon.

“Furthermore, public officers, like the PCGG Commissioners, must at all times be accountable to the people as public office is a public trust,” he added.

Gordon has yet to obtain a copy of the Supreme Court decision, but he is very happy with the Supreme Court’s judgment on this case which “vindicates the Senate’s lawful exercise of its legislative powers, particularly the essential power to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation.”