Says Sereno is exempted from rule pegging maximum cost of vehicles to be purchased for use by gov’t officials at P3 million
(Eagle News) — The camp of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Wednesday denied she manipulated the bidding for a Land Cruiser intended for her use.
Lawyer Jojo Lacanilao said “the Office of the Chief Justice” merely expressed its “preference” when asked by the procurement committee.
Lawyer Jojo Lacanilao, one of Sereno’s spokespersons, told reporters that it has been a “practice” for the committee to ask such a question to justices.
“Hindi po ‘yun instruction,” Lacanilao pointed out.
As for allegations the acquisition of the P5.2-million vehicle was “pre-determined,” Lacanilao said the vehicle underwent the proper process as specified by the Supreme Court’s procurement committee, and bids and awards committee.
He said that Sereno, as a the chief justice, was also exempted from the rule that government officials could not purchase a vehicle that costs beyond P3 million.
Apart from the chief justice, he said exempted were the President, the Vice President, the Senate President and the House Speaker.
The House committee on justice is holding hearings aimed at determining whether there was probable cause for the impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Larry Gadon against Sereno. With a report from Ian Jasper Ellazar, Eagle News Service
