Question

1. The Philippine Senate is conducting an inquiry on alleged irregularities in a major government infrastructure project. During the course of the inquiry, a witness refuses to answer certain questions on the ground that it may incriminate him. Are there any valid grounds for refusing to answer questions in a legislative inquiry? Explain.

2. The House of Representatives has conducted an oversight review of a newly implemented education program. The review uncovered significant deficiencies and mismanagement in the program. What actions can the House of Representatives take based on its oversight findings? Discuss.

3. The Senate is conducting a legislative inquiry to investigate an alleged case of corruption involving high-ranking government officials. One of the officials being investigated insists on the presence of his lawyer during the inquiry. Can the Senate compel the official to appear without his lawyer? Explain.

1. 4. The House of Representatives intends to exercise its power of inquiry to investigate the operations of a private company accused of violating environmental laws. Can the House of Representatives subpoena and compel the company's officers to testify and produce documents? Discuss.
2. 5. The Committee on Energy of the Philippine Congress is conducting an inquiry into the sudden increase in electricity rates. As part of the inquiry, the committee issues a subpoena to the President of a private electric company to testify and produce relevant documents. Can the President of the private electric company invoke executive privilege to refuse the subpoena? Explain.