House panel prepares for impeach proceedings vs SC justice

MANILA, Philippines — Members of the committee on justice of the House of Representatives are preparing for the resumption of the impeachment proceedings against Supreme Court Justice Mariano del Castillo with only  23 session days left to dispose of the case.

“We should be resuming the hearing of that case soon since we are given only 60 session days to report the matter to Plenary,” said Ilocos Norte Representative Rodolfo Fariñas, vice chairman of the committee.

While it declared the complaint sufficient in form, the committee has yet to decide whether or not the case was sufficient in subtance.

Under the rules, the committee is given only 60 days (since the referral of the complaint to the body) to make a report to the plenary.

“As of Sept. 16, 2011, the status of the impeachment case filed against Justice Del Castillo is on the 37th session day since its referral to the committee on justice hence the committee  has 23 session days left to report out to the House the said complaint,” House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said.

Congress will take a month-long recess starting October 14.

If the committee fails to make a report to the plenary within the 60-day period, Farinas said the complaint might just be declared “dead.”

“If one argues that the period is mandatory, then the complaint would be dead already. On the other hand, if the period is directory, the committee would still have jurisdiction over a valid complaint,” he pointed out.

But House Deputy Speaker Lorenzo Tanada III is confident that the committee would act on the complaint in accordance with the rules.

“I am sure the chair is aware of our constitutional duties. We are still in the process of determining if the complaint is sufficient in substance,” said Tanada, referring to Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr, chairman of the justice committee.

Both Farinas and Tanada refused to say if they have the number to send the impeachment case to the Senate.

“Talking now of numbers to impeach Justice Castillo is simply premature.  We will still vote at the justice committee whether or not the complaint is sufficient in substance,” Farinas said.

“If affirmative, we will require him to submit a verified answer. We have a detailed process to follow,” he further said.

Del Castillo has been accused of plagiarizing a decision on the case of “comfort women” during World War II.