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[G.R. No. 145321. October 24, 2000]

ORLANDO S. DE GUZMAN, et al. vs. HOUSE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ORDER & SECURITY, et al.

EN BANC

Gentlemen:

Quoted hereunder, for your information, is a resolution of this Court dated OCT 24 2000.

G.R. No. 145321 (Orlando S De Guzman, Rodolfo M. Palma, Delmer K Cruz, Edward Jack C Castaneda, Raul L. Lambino, Vicente O. Marteja, Jr. and Francis M. Ungria vs. House Committee on Public Order and Security, Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Justice and Human Rights.)

Petitioners, as taxpayers and members and officers of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. Pangasinan Chapter, filed this Joint Petition for Prohibition and Mandamus (With Prayer for the Issuance of a Writ of Preliminary Injunction and/or Temporary Restraining Order) seeking the following:

(1) the issuance of an order prohibiting the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and the Committee on Justice and Human Rights from conducting further investigations on the allegations of Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson that some members of the family of President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, officials of Malacanang, and friends of the President are receiving millions of pesos monthly from jueteng lords, and the implications of Bingo 2 Ball on illegal gambling; and

(2) the issuance of an order directing the Committee on Public Order and Security of the House of Representatives to continue its investigative hearing in aid of legislation on the aforecited subject matter.

The Court finds no merit in the petition.

First, the petitioners have no locus standi as taxpayers as there is no illegal disbursement of public funds involved. As officers of the Pangasinan Chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, they have not shown proof of any personal, direct and substantial injury in fact to justify their legal standing.

Second, the remedies prayed for by petitioners are improper. The Court cannot issue a writ of mandamus and order the Committee on Public Order and Security of the House of Representatives how to continue with the testimony of Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson as a witness. The Court also takes judicial notice of the fact that the matter of whether or not President Estrada should be impeached is no longer with said Committee but is now with the House Committee on Justice.

The Court also cannot issue a writ of prohibition to stop the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee from conducting its investigation on illegal gambling denounced by Senator Teofisto Guingona in a privilege speech. The investigation is purported to be in aid of legislation which does not necessarily impinge upon the exclusive power of the House of Representatives to institute impeachment proceedings against impeachable officials of the government.

IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, the Joint Petition for Mandamus and Prohibition is DISMISSED.

Very truly yours,

LUZVIMINDA D. PUNO

Clerk of Court

(Sgd.) MA. LUISA D. VILLARAMA

Asst. Clerk of Court

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