MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) has thrown out the petition filed by Atty. Harry L. Roque seeking to bar the House of Representatives (HOR) Quad Committee from arresting him and compelling his attendance in its hearings.
In its ruling, the SC said the petition for certiorari and prohibition was already moot and academic after the Quad Committee lifted its contempt order against Roque and the 19th Congress adjourned on June 11, 2025.
The Quad Committee, formed by the HOR in 2024, is composed of the Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts, tasked to look into alleged illegal activities involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Roque was invited as a resource person during the panel’s initial hearing but failed to attend, saying he had thought it was scheduled on a different date.
He later appeared in the second hearing, where lawmakers questioned him over alleged links to POGOs and instructed him to return in the next hearing with supporting documents.
In dismissing the case, the SC reiterated that courts will not rule on cases that no longer present an actual controversy or where no practical relief can be granted.
The tribunal explained that Congress’ authority to cite individuals in contempt ends once a legislative inquiry is terminated, either upon submission of a final report or adjournment of Congress.
It stressed that the filing of a final committee report effectively closes the inquiry, rendering any standing contempt order without force.
In Roque’s case, the Quad Committee had already lifted the contempt citation and submitted its final report before the 19th Congress adjourned the following day.
As a result, the SC said there was no more relief it could grant.
ia/xf
