The Supreme Court en banc has rejected the petition of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque for the issuance of a writ of amparo that would in effect, immediately stop the House of Representatives from effecting his arrest on a contempt charge.

At the same time, the High Court ordered the the joint committee called the Quadcom to file a comment on Roque’s petition for prohibition. The Lower House panel was given ten days to respond.

Roque, through his daughter Bianca Hacintha R. Roque, filed a petition for the writ of amparo, insisting that the contempt charge and his arrest “threatened his rights to life, liberty and security.”

“He also asks the court to prohibit the Quad-committee from arresting him, requiring himto attend future hearings and producing documents,” a press briefer released by the High Court said.

The Quadcom cited Roque in contempt of the legislative body for his alleged refusal to submit documents needed in its inquiry into the operations of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations.

Roque assailed the joint panel of four Lower House committees of violating his rights guaranteed under the law, more particularly the constitutional right against incriminating oneself.

In denying Roque’s urgent appeal for th4e issuance of a writ of amparo, the SC said the former lawmaker filed the wrong petition.

“The Court denied Roque’s prayer for the writ of amparo. It held that amparo is not the proper remedy against Congressional contempt and detention orders,” the SC stated.

The High Tribunal added: “The scope of amparo is limited to extralegal killings and enforced disappearances or threats thereof, which are not presen in the case.”