SC allows justices, employees to attend Sereno impeach proceedings

The Supreme Court has allowed its justices and employees invited by the House of Representatives to attend impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

Invited by Congress include Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo De Castro, Arturo Brion (retired) Information Chief Atty. Theodore Te, Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez and En Banc Clerk of Court Felipa Anama.

De Castro expressed willingness to cooperate with Congress but told the lawmakers that they need to seek permission from the high court en banc (full court).

During Tuesday’s en banc, the high court said De Castro is allowed to testify on the following:

• Her exchange of communication with the Chief Justice regarding the case involving the Coalition of Association of Senior Citizens in the Philippines Party List;

• The case on the appointments of Sandiganbayan justices;

• On the petition of then Solicitor General, now Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza about the shortlist of candidates for the high court.

In all three cases, however, De Castro is not allowed to discuss the court’s deliberations.

With regards to the other officials of the high court invited by the House Committee on Justice, they are allowed to testify only on administrative matters.

“The Court is not requiring them but the court is giving them clearance if they so wish to appear and testify,” Te said at a press conference./je