The House of Representatives committee’s finding of probable cause to impeach embattled Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno was proof that democracy is alive in the Philippines, Malacañang said on Thursday.
“Patunay na naman po ito na gumagana yung ating mga proseso na nakasaad sa ating Saligang Batas lalo na yung proseso ng impeachment na proseso para mapanagot ang pinakamataas na mga opisyales ng ating bayan,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.
(This proves that the processes indicated in the constitution are working, especially the impeachment process to hold the top officials of our land accountable.)
“Nagagalak po kami na gumagana na muli ang ating institusyon,” he added.
(We are glad that our institutions are working again.)
Voting 38-2 with zero abstentions, the House committee on justice found probable cause in allegations that Sereno committed culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, corruption, and other high crimes.
Lawyer Larry Gadon accused Sereno of culpable violation of the Constitution, corruption, other high crimes, and betrayal of public trust.
Gadon also alleged that Sereno failed to disclose her real net worth, bought a luxury car using public funds, and pressured judges to defy the Duterte administration.
READ: House justice panel finds probable cause to impeach Sereno
Sereno said she was ready to face the Senate impeachment court and answer the accusations hurled against her. /je