Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 6832)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 6832 is to create a Commission to conduct a thorough fact-finding investigation of the failed coup d'etat of December 1989 and to recommend measures to prevent similar attempts at a violent seizure of power.
The Commission has the power to summon witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony or receive evidence, issue subpoenas, request bank information from the Monetary Board, turn over evidence for prosecution, and perform other acts necessary to fulfill its objectives.
The Commission is composed of a Chairman and four members appointed by the President. They must be Filipino citizens, at least thirty-five years old, and possess an established reputation for integrity, honesty, probity, and professional competence.
The Commission is given one year from the effectivity of the Act to fulfill its objectives. Two months after this period, it becomes functus officio and must turn over all records to the Department of Justice.
No person can refuse to testify or produce documents on the ground of self-incrimination. However, after invoking their right against self-incrimination, their testimony or evidence cannot be used against them in any proceeding except for perjury committed in testifying.
The Commission may grant immunity from criminal prosecution to any person whose information or testimony is necessary and vital to the investigation, and this immunity continues if the person repeats the testimony in court. If the person refuses to do so, the immunity is revoked.
For direct contempt, the Commission can impose a fine not exceeding five thousand pesos (P5,000.00), imprisonment for up to thirty days, or both. The judgment is final and not appealable.
No, persons appointed, designated, deputized, or contracted by the Commission are not subject to the Civil Service Law, rules, and regulations.
The Commission is mandated to provide necessary and reasonable security arrangements for witnesses with assistance from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government agencies to protect their personal safety during testimony.