Paredes, Jr. v.

Sandiganbayan
Art.6, Sec. 16 / internal discipline

Facts:
While Congressman Paredes was still provincial governor, charges of
violations of Anti-Graft Law were filed against him before the
Sandiganbayan. He was elected to Congress.
During his second term in Congress, Sandiganbayan imposed a preventive
suspension on him pursuant to the A-G law.

Issues:
Petitioner challenges the authority of the SB to suspend a district
representative.

Held:
Suspension holds.

Ratio:
Petitioners invocation of Sec.16(3) Art.6 of the constitution is unavailing.
Suspension spoken of in Sec.13 of A-G law is no a penalty but a preliminary,
preventive measure. The law is not being imposed on the petitioner for
misbehavior as a member of the House of Representatives.