Arroyo sends impeachment complaint of 7 SC justices to rules panel

August 28, 2018

The House of Representatives  referred to the House committee on justice separate impeachment complaints filed against seven associate justices of the Supreme Court (SC).

Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo transmitted the impeachment complaints to the House committee on rules chaired by House Majority Leader  and Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando  Andaya Jr.

Andaya also said that it would be "unwise" for the House to invite newly-appointed Chief Justice Teresita de Castro to appear during the impeachment hearing given the short period of time she has to work as Chief Justice.

Last Thursday, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat, and Akbayan party-list Rep. Tom Villarin filed an impeachment complaints against the seven justices.

They accused de Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Andres Reyes, Francis Jardeleza, Noel Tijam, and Alexander Gesmundo of culpable violation of the Constitution.

The seven justices allegedly took away the powers of Congress to impeach when they voted in favor of granting the quo warranto petition against former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. Sereno was ousted on May on the basis of this petition.

Andaya also assured of ‘fair and fast' deliberations on the impeachment complaints.

"The House leadership will conduct a fair and fast hearing on this matter," said Andaya as he assured that the impeachment hearings will not affect the House's legislative mill.

The House committee on justice chaired by Oriental Mindoro Rep. Doy Leachon is all set to begin the impeachment process against the seven justices on September 4. DMS