Blue ribbon panel can’t be ordered to release draft report on flood control probe – SC

ACCOMPLISHMENTS. Chairman Panfilo Lacson opens the resumption of the blue ribbon committee's probe into infrastructure corruption on January 19, 2026. Senate Social Media Unit 'In this case, the SC found no constitutional or legal obligation for the committee to release an unfinished draft report,' the High Court says MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) dismissed on Wednesday, August 12, the petition seeking to compel the Senate blue ribbon committee to release the full and unredacted text of its draft partial report on its flood control corruption probe In its ruling, the High Court junked the petition for mandamus and certiorari filed by lawyer and Eldrige Marvin Aceron and fellow members of the Bar. Mandamus, if granted, may compel a government body to perform its duty. The SC explained that mandamus may only be used on a public official or body to perform a ministerial duty clearly required by law “that involves no discretion.” “In this case, the SC found no constitutional or legal obligation for the committee to release an unfinished draft report. It clarified that a draft report is a preliminary document and only becomes part of the official Senate record once it is finalized, approved by the committee, and submitted to the Senate plenary following the Senate’s internal rules,” the High Court ruled. “Since no law requires the Committee to release an unfinished draft report, mandamus cannot be used to compel its disclosure,” it added. The petitioners argued that the blue ribbon’s refusal to publicize the draft report violated their constitutional right to information. But the SC rejected this argument, explaining that right to information has limitations. “It [right to information] is subject to recognized limitations, including the deliberative process privilege. This privilege protects internal discussions while a decision is still being made, allowing officials to freely exchange views without the risk that preliminary or tentative positions will be mistaken for final decisions,” the High Court said. “The SC further emphasized the constitutional principle of separation of powers. Courts generally cannot interfere with matters that fall within the Legislature’s discretion or with the internal procedures of Congress, as long as these are exercised within constitutional limits,” it further added. Aceron and companions filed the petition after the leak of the supposed draft committee report in February 2026. In the draft, the committee allegedly recommended the filing of criminal actions, including plunder, against several public officials. The initial report is also recommending the removal of “allocables” and “leadership funds” from the national budget, calling them a form of “pork barrel” that weakens public transparency. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading