The camp of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has apologized to the House committee on justice after its chairman called out some of Sereno’s lawyers for resorting to “name calling” and branding the proceedings a “dog and pony show.”
On Monday, the House committee resumed its hearing on the determination of probable cause to impeach Sereno.
Before the impeachment proceeding called to order, Umali called out Sereno’s lawyers Joshua Santiago and Winnie Salumbides for resorting to “saying adverse statements.”
“We are trying our best to be fair. If you feel that this committee will not be fair to your client, keep it to yourself, don’t resort to name calling,” he said.
Umali said the lawyers should respect the proceedings of the house “lest we be forced to use the coercive powers of this committee and all other powers vested in the House.”
In a chance interview, Sereno’s counsel Jojo Lacanilao apologized if they had offended the committee in any way.
“Kung may na-offend man sa kanila kami ay humihingi ng paumanhin, we apologize for any offense,” Lacanilao said.
“Hindi po intended yun at hindi sa kung sinong personalidad, kundi sa mga evidence na pinalabas o alegasyon na hindi mapatunayan,” he added.
Over the weekend, Santiago and Salumbides said in a forum that the panel should already put the impeachment complaint to a vote, instead of turning the proceedings into a “dog and pony show.”
“It is evident that the complaint is very shallow,” Salumbides said. “But since they already decided that it’s sufficient in form and substance, why are they still prolonging the proceedings? Why are they still forcing Gadon to present documents, evidence and witnesses?” /kga