Title
Defensor-Santiago vs. Guingona, Jr.
Case Decision Date
G.R. No. 134577 Nov 18, 1998
Senators Defensor-Santiago and Tatad petition to remove Senator Guingona as
minority leader, but the Supreme Court rules in favor of Guingona, stating that
the Senate has the autonomy to determine its own rules and procedures.
Case Summary (G.R. No. 134577)
Case Background and Parties Involved
The case involves a dispute between Senators Miriam Defensor Santiago and
Francisco S. Tatad against Senator Teofisto T. Guingona, Jr. and Senator Marcelo B.
Fernan.
The petitioners sought to remove Senator Guingona as the minority leader, alleging
a violation of the Constitution.
They argued that the majority vote required for the election of the Senate President
implies that the minority should be composed of those who voted for the losing
nominee and did not accept committee chairmanships.
They claimed that Senator Guingona, who voted for Senator Fernan as Senate
President, cannot be the legitimate minority leader.
Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Senator Guingona and Senator Fernan.
The Court emphasized the autonomy of the legislature in determining its own rules
and procedures.
It held that there was no violation of the Constitution or any laws or rules of the
Senate.
The Court stated that the Constitution does not provide a specific definition of
"majority" or "minority" in the Senate and does not prescribe which group has the
right to select the minority leader.
The Court also noted that the Senate Rules do not provide for the positions of
majority and minority leaders, and it is within the discretion of the Senate to
prescribe the parameters for the exercise of this prerogative.
Separation of Powers and Respect for Legislative Affairs
The Court emphasized the principle of separation of powers and the respect for the
internal affairs of the legislature.
It stated that it is not within the province of the courts to direct Congress on how to
do its work or to intervene in the internal affairs of the Senate.
The Court concluded that there was no grave abuse of discretion on the part of
Senator Fernan in recognizing Senator Guingona as the minority leader.
Summary of Supreme Court Ruling
The Senate has the authority to determine its own rules and procedures, including
the selection of the minority leader.
There was no violation of the Constitution or any laws or rules of the Senate in the
recognition of Senator Guingona as the minority leader.
The principle of separation of powers and the respect for the autonomy of the
legislature in determining its own internal affairs were emphasized by the Court.
