Short answer. Yes, generally. Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code makes it an offense to refuse, without legal excuse, to produce books, papers, documents, or records when required to do so by Congress, its committees, constitutional commissions, or authorized officials in the exercise of their functions. Both imprisonment and a fine may be imposed.
What the law says
refuses to be sworn or placed under affirmation or to answer any legal inquiry or to produce any books, papers, documents, or records in his possession, when required by them to do so in the exercise of their functions.
Revised Penal Code, Article 150 — Disobedience To Legislative Summons. Read the full provision →
What the law prohibits
Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code covers two related acts. First, failing or refusing to obey a summons to attend as a witness before Congress, a congressional committee, or a constitutional commission — the obligation to appear. Second, appearing but then refusing to produce books, papers, documents, or records when the committee requires them in the exercise of its functions. Both acts — failure to appear and failure to produce documents once present — can be penalised. The article also punishes anyone who induces others to disobey a summons.
The 'without legal excuse' exception
The prohibition is not absolute. Article 150 punishes refusal without legal excuse. Legal excuses are real and include constitutionally protected privileges. The right against self-incrimination allows a person to refuse to answer questions that would directly incriminate them, though it does not automatically protect every document from production. Executive privilege, if validly invoked, may allow certain officials to withhold documents relating to executive deliberations. These defences are narrow, must be properly invoked, and require legal advice — simply saying 'I refuse' without a valid legal basis is not a defence.
Penalties under the current law
The text above reflects Article 150 as amended by Republic Act No. 10951 (2017). The current penalty is arresto mayor (one month and one day to six months) or a fine of ₱40,000 to ₱200,000, or both. Older copies of the Revised Penal Code may show smaller peso figures that are no longer operative. Verify that the version you are consulting incorporates the RA 10951 amendments.
What to do if you receive a congressional summons
If you receive a summons to appear and produce documents before a congressional committee, do not simply ignore it or refuse without first consulting a lawyer. Determine whether the summons was validly issued, whether the documents demanded are within the scope of the committee's inquiry, and whether any constitutional or statutory privilege applies to the materials or your testimony. Acting on legal advice — and formally invoking any applicable privilege in writing if appropriate — is far safer than an outright refusal that could result in prosecution under Article 150.