QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday denied the petition for a writ of amparo filed by former presidential spokesperson Herminio “Harry” Roque Jr., ruling that the plea is not the proper remedy against congressional contempt and detention orders.
Roque filed the petition after the House of Representatives Quad Committee’s (Quadcom) contempt and detention orders against him in connection with the panel’s inquiry on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
He claimed the contempt and detention orders threatened his rights to life, liberty, and security.
Roque also asked the Tribunal to prohibit the committee from arresting him, and requiring him to attend future hearings and produce various documents.
But the Court denied Roque’s petition, saying it is not the proper remedy as writ of amparo is “limited to extralegal killings and enforced disappearances, or threats thereof, which are not present in this case,” SC spokesperson Camille Ting said in a press conference.
In its order, the SC directed the House Quadcom to comment on Roque’s petition for prohibition within 10 days. (PIA DMD)
