Practice question
A committee announces that its sole task is to decide which of two private business owners committed an existing offense and to declare the civil liability disputed in their pending case. It identifies no legislative objective and expressly disclaims consideration of any legal reform. It nevertheless labels the hearing 'in aid of legislation.' Which response best reflects the limit applied in Bengzon?
- The label alone conclusively establishes constitutional power.
- The stated adjudicative purpose without a legislative objective exceeds the Section 21 inquiry power.
- Every pending case necessarily prevents every legislative inquiry on any related topic.
- A committee may impose any criminal sentence after receiving testimony.
- Private business activity can never be relevant to legislation.
Legal references
- 1987 Constitution, Article VI Section 21: https://lawphil.net/consti/cons1987.html
- Bengzon Jr. v. Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, G.R. No. 89914, November 20, 1991, main decision: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1991/nov1991/gr_89914_1991.html
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