(Eagle News) — House justice panel chair Rep. Rey Umali said they may issue a subpoena to Supreme Court Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno
“Kung mayroon talagang mga bagay na dapat siyang testiguhan, marahil magiissue ang komite ng subpoena,” Umali said in a radio interview.
According to Umali, if a subpoena is issued and Sereno doesn’t comply, “maoobliga na tayo mag-issue ng warrant.”
The first option, however, he said, is basing the final articles of impeachment on the evidence filed against Sereno if she doesn’t make an appearance in impeachment proceedings against her.
“In our eyes, the Chief Justice is a respondent and she’s under the Constitution,” he said.
He said as for the witnesses, if they were not available for the proceedings, the panel would just continue hearing the seven alleged offenses committed by the Chief Justice.
Earlier, Larry Gadon, who filed the impeachment complaint, said Sereno had committed 27 offenses that were tantamount to culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, corruption and other high crimes.
He said it seems reporter Jomar Canlas, who Gadon said gave him information about a temporary restraining order tampered by Sereno, would make an appearance though.
“Kasi nagkita kami sa Department of Justice at hawak niya yung invitation sa kaniya. Wala namang indication na hindi aattend,” he said.
The House justice panel is holding hearings to determine if there was probable cause for the charges leveled against Sereno in the impeachment complaint.
If there is probable cause and the Articles of Impeachment are prepared, the Senate will convene as an impeachment court and hold a trial.
