House justice panel issues show-cause order for Sereno spokesperson

The House of Representatives justice committee has issued a show-cause order directing Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno’s spokesperson to explain why he should not be cited in contempt for stating she would be taking a 15-day wellness leave and was not forced to take an indefinite leave.

Deputy Speaker Gwendolyn Garcia, who set the motion, cited contradictory news reports quoting anonymous SC sources who said Sereno was forced to go on leave by her colleagues.

“Attorney Lacanilao has given us once again what is obviously fake news,” Garcia said, describing him as the lawyer “who regularly contradicts and states what is the opposite of what’s discussed in this hearing.”