The House Committee on Justice has found probable cause in the impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.
A total of thirty-eight members in the committee want Sereno impeached while only two vetoed, representatives Kaka Bag-ao of Dinagat Islands and Kit Belmonte of Quezon City.
The impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon last August 30, 2017 which gathered the house’ approval covers grounds of Sereno’s “corruption, culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust and other high crimes.”
The justice committee will now draft articles of impeachment which will be presented to the plenary for approval on March 14.
As for the Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the committee’s decision proves that the justice system is working.
“This is a proof that the (judicial) process stated in the Constitution works, especially the process of impeachment. We are glad to see that our institutions are working again,” Roque said.
In spite of this, Sereno’s lawyer, Jojo Lacanilao, remains positive saying, “This is not the end of it all, and the burden of proving the case is on the House, for the House to prove that the Chief Justice should be removed. We believe the Chief Justice is innocent and she can prove her innocence in the Senate.”
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 03/ 08/18)