LP Warns Party Member Who Supported Impeachment vs SC Chief Justice Sereno

Liberal Party (LP) warned this Thursday, September 07, 2017 one of its party member who supported the impeachment complaint against Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. The said warning was made by LP President Senator Francis ‘Kiko’’ Pangilinan and LP Sec. Gen. Congressman Jose Christopher “Kit” Belmonte.



“The move of fellow Liberal Party member, Representative Edgar Mary Sarmiento (1st district, Samar), to endorse the impeachment complaint against Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno filed at the House of Representatives, is a cause for concern.” Pangilinan and Belmonte said in a joint statement, posted at LP’s official website.

"While the party has yet to firm up its position on the matter, and while it recognizes the right of its members to take a position on issues, Representative Sarmiento could have consulted the party leadership before making such important decision." LP added, with Sarmiento being one of the 25 congressmen who supported the Sereno impeachment.

"The impeachment process is guaranteed in the 1987 Constitution as part of the delicate system of checks and balances. However, it is a double-edged sword because while it can strengthen democracy in a fair and impartial process, it can also destroy institutions if used to go after officials perceived to be uncooperative." The opposition party said further.

So far, there are two impeachment complaints vs Chief Justice Sereno. The first one was filed by Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) President Dante Jimenez, and Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution Inc. (VPCI) President Eligio Mallari.on August 2, while the second one was filed by lawyer Lorenzo Gadon on August 30.

However, it took several weeks before at least 16 congressmen eventually have endorsed the first impeachment complaint, which accuses Sereno of several violations of the Constitution. This includes appointing questionable government officials; granting foreign travel allowances without Supreme Court en banc approval; and betrayal of public trust.



On the other hand, 25 lawmakers have already endorsed the second impeachment. According to Atty. Gadon, the Chief Justice allegedly bought Toyota Land Cruiser worth P5.1 million but the actual price is only P4.5 million; and has failed to declare “exorbitant lawyer’s fees” allegedly amounting to P37 million. Hearing is set to start this Friday, September 8.

Contributed by Abner Esteno