(Eagle News) — The Supreme Court has junked the petition of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos and the so-called Ilocos 6 against the contempt order issued against them by the House of Representatives and the detention of the six provincial officials.
“The Court dismissed the omnibus petition for habeas corpus, prohibition, injunctive relief, and Amparo as against the show cause order issued by respondent Committee of the House of Representatives,” the SC said on Tuesday, July 10.
According to the SC, the “habeas corpus aspect was rendered moot and academic” as the six provincial officials–Josephine Calajate, Encarnacion Gaor, Genedine Jambaro, Evangeline Tabulog, Pedro Agcaoili Jr. and Eden Battulayan—who were detained in the Lower House after they failed to satisfy congressmen with their answers about the local government’s purchase of motor vehicles with the tobacco excise fund have already been released.
As for the prohibition aspect, the SC said there was “no grave abuse of discretion” on the part of respondents Surigao Del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, chairman of the House committee on good government and public accountability; House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas; and House Sergeant-At-Arms retired Lieutenant General Roland Detabali.
“The writ of Amparo will not lie as there is no legal or factual justification therefor in the absence of an extralegal killing or an enforced disappearance, or threats thereof,” the SC said. Moira Encina