Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24) — The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday granted Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba’s petition to halt the implementation of the House of Representatives’ contempt and detention orders against him — a move announced by the court shortly after his voluntary surrender.
The SC en banc issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the House Committee on Public Accounts and Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, as well as the lower chamber’s Sergeant-at-Arms, “and all persons acting in their behalf.”
This came a week after the two committees approved a motion seeking the governor’s detention, citing his repeated failure to attend hearings on his alleged public spending violation during the election period.
Earlier in the day, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said Mamba voluntarily surrendered to the House.
“Governor Mamba’s choice to voluntarily surrender is a commendable stride in safeguarding the integrity of our democratic institutions,” Romualdez said.
“It signifies his readiness to collaborate with the House’s proceedings and underscores a steadfast commitment to the fundamental principles of accountability and transparency that form the cornerstone of our democracy,” he added.
Before the surrender, Mamba sought help from the SC, asking it to nullify and declare the House orders as unconstitutional. He also asked that a TRO be issued pending further orders from the court.
The SC said it received Mamba’s petition on Aug. 22 and had it raffled the following day.
It also ordered the respondents to comment on the petition within a non-extendable period of five days from receipt of notice.
