Practice question
A House validly disciplines a Member for disorderly behavior by imposing a suspension expressly labeled a punitive chamber sanction. It sets the term at eighty days, relying on Santiago’s approval of a ninety-day preventive court suspension to exceed sixty days. Assume the required chamber vote was obtained. Which conclusion is correct?
- Santiago removes every limit on legislative discipline
- The eighty-day penalty exceeds the constitutional ceiling because Santiago concerned a legally distinct preventive suspension
- A sufficient vote can amend the constitutional ceiling
- The label automatically converts the penalty into an RA 3019 order
- The House may impose any duration if a prosecutor agrees
Legal references
- 1987 Constitution: https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/3/353; Article VI, Section 16(3).
- Santiago v. Sandiganbayan, G.R. No. 128055, April 18, 2001, main decision: https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/1/52070
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