Arnault vs. Nazareno

Facts:

This is an original petition for habeas corpus to relieve the petitioner from his confinement in the New Bilibid Prison to which he has been committed by virtue of a resolution adopted by the Senate on May 15, 1950, Jean L. Arnault, refused to reveal the name of the person to whom he gave the P440,000, as well as answer other pertinent questions related to the said amount. The petitioner was committed to the custody of the Sergeant-at-Arms and imprisoned in the New Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa, Rizal, until discharged by further order of the Senate or by the special committee created by Senate Resolution No. 8. He contend that his revelation on who received the said amount has no probative value in aid of legislation.

 Issue:

WON the senate has the power to place in custody persons who are not participating in the investigation in aid of legislation


Held:

Yes. Once an inquiry is admitted or established to be within the jurisdiction of a legislative body to make, the investigating committee has the power to require a witness to answer any question pertinent to that inquiry, subject of course to his constitutional right against self-incrimination. It is insinuated, that the ruling of the Senate on the materiality of the question propounded to the witness is not subject to review by this Court under the principle of the separation of powers.