Palace: Duterte can require consent for Senate probes

President Rodrigo Duterte has a legal basis to require government officials to seek his consent before attending Senate investigations, according to Malacañang.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stated that Duterte could issue an order similar to Executive Order 464, which was enacted in 2005 by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

This previous executive order mandated that all heads of departments within the Executive Branch must obtain the President's permission before participating in any congressional probe.

Roque cited the Supreme Court's 2008 ruling in the Romulo Neri vs. Senate case, asserting that the Senate's power to cite individuals for contempt has limitations.

The Supreme Court decision indicated that cabinet members, considered alter egos of the President, cannot be held in contempt if they are prevented from attending a hearing by the President's direct order.