THE Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed the petition filed by former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque sought to prevent the House of Representatives from arresting him and compelling his attendance at hearings concerning Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The dismissal comes after the House of Representatives lifted the contempt order against Roque, rendering his petition moot and academic. This ruling effectively ends Roque’s legal challenge against the legislative body’s authority to summon him as part of its ongoing inquiry.
Roque sought protection from the Supreme Court, arguing that the House of Representatives exceeded its authority by issuing a contempt order and a subsequent arrest warrant. He contended that his refusal to attend the hearings was justified and that the legislative body’s actions were a violation of his rights.
However, the House Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs eventually recalled the contempt order and the arrest warrant against Roque. This decision by the House was a key factor in the Supreme Court’s subsequent dismissal of his petition.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court cited the principle of mootness, stating that a case becomes moot when the issues presented are no longer live or when the relief sought can no longer be granted.
Since the contempt order and arrest warrant that formed the basis of Roque’s petition were lifted by the House, the legal controversy that Roque sought to resolve through the Supreme Court no longer existed. Therefore, the Court found no further grounds to proceed with the case, leading to its dismissal.
