COMMITTEE ON RULES TASKED TO PREPARE GUIDELINES TO AID COMMITTEES CONDUTING INQUIRIES IN AID OF LEGISLATION...

"The Committee on Rules has been tasked by the senators, in the All Senators Caucus last night, to prepare the necessary guidelines to aid the various committees undertaking inquiries in aid of legislation in ensuring that the work of the various committees is not hampered nor impeded by the refusal of witnesses to appear despite invitations and/or subpoenas."

"As we have seen in both the Ermita and Sabio cases brought before the Supreme Court, the Senate will not shirk from its constitutional duty to conduct hearings in aid of legislation and to serve as check and balance on other branches of government. At the proper time, we will not hesitate to once again use all means legal and necessary to thwart any and all acts that seek to prevent the Senate from performing its constitutional duties. We also wish to assure the public that we remain mindful of our constitutional duty to ensure that in these hearings, the rights of witnesses called to testify must be respected."