Supreme Court junks petition of PDP-Laban for more seats in Commission on Appointments

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court has dismissed Sen. Jamby Madrigal’s petition seeking more seats in the Commission on Appointments for her political party, Partido Demokratiko ng Pilipinas (PDP)–Laban on grounds of lack of jurisdiction.

“Senator Madrigal’s primary recourse rests with the respective Houses of Congress and not with this Court,” read the SC decision.

“The doctrine of primary jurisdiction dictates that prior recourse to the House is necessary before she may bring her petition to court.”

On the CA membership of Senators Richard Gordon and Alan Peter Cayetano, the SC said the question involves party affiliations that it does not resolve.

In her petition, Madrigal said Gordon should not sit in the CA as representative of the pro-administration Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) since he is an independent.

On the other hand, Cayetano should be listed under the Nacionalista Party, she added.

On this issue, the SC said Madrigal failed to show that “she or her political party was deprived of a seat in the CA” or that “she sustained direct injury.”

Last year, Madrigal filed the petition, alleging “grave abuse of discretion” against the CA and then Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. and Speaker Prospero Nograles.

Earlier, she questioned before the CA why Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino and Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino were given more seats, as compared to other political parties.

In response, the CA said it has neither “the power nor the discretion” to reject a member elected by the Senate and House of Representatives, and that any complaints should be addressed to the body that elected them.

Not satisfied with the CA’s response, Madrigal brought the issue to the SC.

The decision was written by Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales.       – Edu Punay