Senator Risa Hontiveros welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming the Senate’s constitutional power to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation, compel testimony, and cite in contempt those who refuse to appear.

“This ruling strengthens the Senate’s ability to uncover the truth in matters of urgent public interest, such as the infiltration of illegal POGO operations and the alarming allegations surrounding former Bamban Mayor Guo Hua Ping, alias ‘Alice Guo,’” Hontiveros said.

The senator noted that during hearings by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, the committee exposed abuses, criminality, and corruption brought by POGOs, paving the way for a total ban and the eventual enactment of the Anti-POGO Law.

Hontiveros added that the decision reaffirms the Constitution’s provision that legislative inquiries conducted under established rules are a vital tool for accountability and the creation of policies protecting public interest and national sovereignty.

“Once final, this decision will affirm the Supreme Court’s regard for the balance of powers of the three branches of government—a principle that should undergird our democracy, even in troubled times,” she said.

The senator also thanked her legal team, including former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Atty. John Molo, MOSVELDTT Law, and the Senate Legal Counsel, for their role in the case.