MANILA – Saying it cannot dictate on matters governed by the internal rules of a co-equal body, the Supreme Court has dismissed the petition of seven opposition members of the House of Representatives, challenging the status of the Minority group.
The group led by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, or the so-called “Magnificent 7,” had asked the SC to rule on its position that the group led by Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez should not be considered the Minority.
Lagman’s group had questioned the election of Suarez as the House minority leader, and wanted Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat recognized as such instead.
The SC en banc decision was unanimous. It was penned by Associate Justice Estella Perlas-Bernabe.
Based on the decision, the matter cannot be the subject of judicial review because it pertains to the internal rules of the HOR.
Reacting to the SC decision, Baguilat said: “The high tribunal seems to be comfortable in giving wide latitude to Congress to violate its own rules.
“That’s what they did in dismissing our petition. That’s what they also did in dismissing the petition for mandamus for Congress to convene jointly on ML.”
He lamented the Court is “reneging on its task as a court of last resort in ensuring that our rules and laws are not violated by the executive and legislative chambers.”
At any rate, Baguilat said, ” we may not hold the position but we are performing the mandate as the real minority. Amen?!”
Besides Lagman and Baguilat, the other members of the “Magnificent 7” are Reps. Raul Daza of Northern Samar, Edgar Erice of Caloocan, Emmanuel Billones of Capiz; and party-list Reps. Tom Villarin of Akbayan and Gary Alejano of Magdalo.
Besides Suarez, among the 16 members of the Minority are: district Reps. Arlene Arcillas of Laguna, Luis Campos and Monsour del Rosario of Makati City and Richard Eusebio of Pasig City.
Also Minority members are party-list Reps. Harry Roque of Kabayan, Alfredo Garbin Jr. of Ako Bicol, Anna Marie Villaraza-Suarez of Alona, Delphine Gan Lee of AGRI, Harlin Neil Abayon III of Aangat Tayo, Anthony Bravo of Coop-Natcco, Eugene De Vera of ABS, Cecilia Chavez of Butil, Aniceto Bertiz III of Acts-OFW, Julieta Cortuna of A Teacher, Abigail Ferriol-Pascual of Kalinga, and Jose “Lito” Atienza Jr. of Buhay.
