SENATE BLUE RIBBON COMMITTEE vs MAJADUCON

(GR No. 136760)

FACTS:
The case commenced when the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee conducted an inquiry
into the alleged mismanagement of funds and investment of the Armed Forces Retirement and
Separation Benefits System (AFP-RSBS).
During the public litigations by the Blue Ribbon Committee, it prospered that the AFP-
RSBS purchased a lot from a certain Atty. Nillo J. Flaviano amounting P10, 500 per square
meter. However, the deed of sale filed to the Register of Deeds indicates that the purchased lot
is only P3, 000 per square meter.
As a result of the discovery, the Committee ordered a subpoena to Atty. Flaviano,
ordering him to appear and answer the brewed questions of the Committee.
However, Atty. Flaviano refused to appear and filed a petition for prohibition and
preliminary injunction with hope for temporary restraining order with the RTC of General Santos
City. The honorable court issued a TRO directing the committee to cease and desist from
proceeding with the inquiry.
As a response, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee filed a motion to dismiss on the
ground of lack of jurisdiction and failure to state valid cause of action.
Further, the Trial Court denied the motion to dismiss. Hence, this petition for certiorari
alleging that Judge Majaducon committed grave abuse of discretion and acted without or in
excess of jurisdiction.

ISSUE:
Whether or not Judge Jose Majaducon committed grave abuse of discretion when he
dismissed the petition for prohibition and issued the writ of preliminary injunction.
RULING:
The assailed resolution of Judge Majaducon was issue dwithout legal basis. The
principle of separation of powers essentially means that legislation belongs to Congress,
execution to the Executive, and settlement of legal controversies to the Judiciary.
It is a well-settled rule that each is prevented from invading the domain of the others.
When the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee served subpoena on Atty. Flaviano, it did so pursuant
to its authority to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation. This is stated categorically in Article 6,
Section 21 of the 1987 Constitution:

The Senate of the House of Representatives or any of its

Respective committees may conduct inquiries in aid
of legislation in accordance with its duly published
rules of procedure. The rights of persons appearing
in or affected by such inquiries shall be respected.

Hence, the RTC of General Santos City, or any court for that matter, had no authority to
prohibit the committee from requiring respondent to appear and testify before it.
Wherefore, the petition is GRANTED.