Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno INQUIRER file photo / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
The move to unseat Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno must follow constitutional processes and not by any other means, the Makati Business Club (MBC) said on Friday.
The MBC urged the country’s political and judicial leaders “to let the House of Representatives and, if so determined, the Senate follow the impeachment process set forth in the Constitution” against Sereno.
“Regardless of the outcome of the process, giving the Chief Justice the chance to defend herself within our constitutionally-defined process is essential to demonstrate this country’s respect for the rule of law and to assure all Filipinos that we are protected by our laws,” the MBC said in a statement.
“It is absolutely essential for businesses that laws and contracts will be upheld for them to invest and create more jobs, which is what will ultimately reduce poverty in a sustainable way,” it added.
Voting 38-2 with zero abstentions, majority of the members of the House panel affirmed on March 8 that there was probable cause in allegations that Sereno committed culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, corruption, and other high crimes.
Solicitor General Jose Calida has filed a quo warranto petition to remove Sereno, which some, including Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo described as unconstitutional.
Sereno is currently on leave to prepare for a possible impeachment trial at the Senate.
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