Umali: House justice panel has begun crafting articles of impeachment vs Sereno

(Eagle News)–The House justice panel has begun drafting the articles of impeachment against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno for transmittal to the Senate.

“Napakaimportante kasi kung ano yung porma, apat na grounds, which would fall under the four grounds. Yun yung ginagawa,” panel chair Rep. Rey Umali said in an interview over dzbb.

He said based on hearings held by the committee, there was evidence to back all allegations except the allegation Sereno ordered a Muntinlupa judge not to issue a warrant of arrest against Leila de Lima.

There are 27 allegations in lawyer Larry Gadon’s impeachment complaint against Sereno.

They are categorized into either of the four grounds: culpable violation of the Constitution, other high crimes, corruption and betrayal of public trust.

Voting on probable cause is expected to take place on Thursday.

Prosecution team

The prosecution team was also so far being readied, Umali said.

He said so far, Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, who was part of the prosecution team against then-SC Chief Justice Renato Corona, would be included in the team to be composed of around 40 members.

“Siguro titignan namin yung litigation experience kung meron. At siguro pangatlo, depende kung anong discipline yun kasi depende sa lalabas nang article kung anong discipline ang kailangan,” he said.