(Eagle News) — The House justice committee on Wednesday ruled to disallow lawyers of Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno from cross-examining witnesses during impeachment proceedings against her.
With a vote of 30-4, the committee members approved the motion of Rep. Alfredo Garbin to deny the request of Sereno’s camp that the 11 lawyers who represent her conduct the cross-examination.
“We are not depriving respondent of right to cross-examine but they should do it through only members including the chair,”committee chair Rep. Rey Umali said.
He added they were not depriving anyone of the right to counsel.
“The pleadings filed were through assistance of counsel..We will allow proceedings to proceed with lawyers present so you can guide your client,” he said, noting that should Sereno decide to make an appearance, she was still “welcome” to do so.
