FACTS:

The accused-appellant, Romeo G. Jalosjos, is a member of Congress who is currently in prison pending his appeal for his conviction of statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness. He filed a motion asking to be allowed to discharge his duties as a Congressman, including attending legislative sessions and committee meetings, despite being convicted of a non-bailable offense. The accused-appellant argues that his reelection is an expression of popular will and cannot be rendered inutile by any ruling. He claims that to bar him from performing his duties as a Congressman would be a suspension or removal, which goes against the renewed mandate entrusted to him by the people. He also cites a precedent-setting US ruling that allowed a detained lawmaker to attend congressional sessions. The accused-appellant argues that his primary duty as a Congressman cannot be curtailed by his temporary detention because he has always complied with the conditions and restrictions when allowed to leave jail. The accused-appellant contends that his election and his duty to represent his constituents should outweigh any procedural restraints arising from his pending criminal cases. The court is tasked to determine whether membership in Congress exempts an accused from statutes and rules that apply to incarcerated persons in general.

ISSUES:

1. Does membership in Congress exempt an accused from statutes and rules which apply to validly incarcerated persons in general?

2. Can a Congressman who is incarcerated for convictions of serious crimes be allowed to fully discharge his duties, including attending legislative sessions and committee meetings?

RULING:

1. Membership in Congress does not exempt an accused from statutes and rules that apply to validly incarcerated persons. Hence, the accused-appellant cannot claim immunity from detention or special privileges that are inconsistent with his status as a prisoner.

2. A Congressman who is incarcerated for serious crimes and whose conviction is pending appeal cannot be allowed to fully discharge his duties, including attending legislative sessions and committee meetings. The confinement is lawful and integral to the administration of justice, and it applies equally to all prisoners without special treatment for public officials.

PRINCIPLES:

1. Parliamentary immunity from arrest or detention is limited and does not extend to serious crimes or felonies.

2. Equal protection under the law requires that all individuals, including elected officials, who are validly incarcerated, are treated alike without special privileges.

3. Election to public office does not confer immunity from legal consequences, nor does it lift an individual from the class of prisoners subject to lawful detention.

4. Imprisonment entails the deprivation of certain freedoms and movements, and the need for rehabilitation and security within detention facilities justifies these restrictions.