The House of Representatives on Tuesday referred to the committee on justice the impeachment cases against newly-appointed Chief Justice Teresita de Castro and six other justices who ousted Maria Lourdes Sereno through a quo warranto petition.
This happened during the session of the lower chamber on Tuesday afternoon.
The House justice committee now has to determine if the complaints are sufficient in form and substance before it could discuss whether the complaints have probable cause.
Last Thursday, Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman, Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin, Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, and Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat filed impeachment complaints against De Castro, and Associate Justices Andres Reyes Jr., Lucas Bersamin, Diosdado Peralta, Francis Jardeleza, Noel Tijam, and Alexander Gesmundo.
READ: SC justices who ousted Sereno face impeachment complaints
LOOK: Impeach complaints vs anti-Sereno SC associate justices
The committee on justice will begin its hearings on the complaints on Sept. 4, its chairperson, Rep. Salvador “Doy” Leachon said earlier.
READ: House panel chair says impeach raps will be handled with dispatch
Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also earlier vowed to expedite the proceedings to avoid disturbing the legislative agenda of the lower chamber.
READ: Arroyo vows speedy processing of impeach cases vs anti-Sereno SC justices
Meanwhile, Leachon said De Castro’s appointment as the new top magistrate won’t affect the impeachment case against her because “she is still an impeachable official.”
President Rodrigo Duterte appointed De Castro as the Chief Justice even though she is only a few weeks away from retiring.
She is expected to retire on Oct. 8 when she reaches the mandatory age of retirement of 70. /vvp
READ: Duterte’s choice: De Castro Chief Justice for 41 days