It’s like a cinematic Perry Mason case story slowly unfolding.
I’m referring to the on-going congressional hearing of the impeachment case filed against the SC chief magistrate Maria Lourdes Sereno.
Initially, there appeared to have been quite a shallow appreciation of the list of impeachable complaints filed by Atty. Larry Gadon. But as the days are progressing at the Batasan hearing, the developments that are following indicate the clear establishment of solid evidence.
Take the Supreme Court unanimous action to allow two active associate justices and one retired member to appear and testify before the HoR justice committee panel.
This proportionately brought the probe to its proper perspective considering the issue referred to Sereno’s undue unilateral bending of the rules that govern the collegial nature of the High Tribunal.
The charge is embodied in the complaint of “culpable violation of the Constitution.”
AJ Teresita Castro, who has 44 years of rich judicial experience behind her, was a picture of decent court demeanor as she – emotionlessly – described the details and the circumstances of a TRO opinion regarding the question on the senior citizen party-list.
She denied, though, that she ever raised her voice as was being bandied about against the Chief Justice and described their professional relations as “amiable.”
Castro’s appearance before the justice panel chaired by Rep. Reynaldo Umali boosted the credibility stock of complainant Gadon who continues to sound confident wherever he goes.
Two other AJs – the retired Arturo Brion and sitting magistrate Jardeleza – are set to make their testimonies public.
Despite the mind-blowing spectacle that is certain to hurt her and her family, Sereno insists she will fight to the end.
This has been the usual response of officials who are on the impeachment line. Remember Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and Comelec Chair Andres Bautista who at first refused to give up their “thrones” but eventually raised the “white flag” to avoid the shame and scandal the impeachment could inflict on them?
Yeah, they quit while the quitting was good and favorable to them.
For students of law, the current controversy is an excellent topic for class debate and discussion as this follows the “successful” impeachment of GMA appointee ex-CJ Renato Corona.
The public should refrain from associating this Sereno impeachment issue with the current Malacanang tenant in view of the former’s insinuation that PRRD has something to do with the goings-on at the House of Representatives.
Recall that unlike ex-Pres. Noynoy who made public his dislike for the late CJ Corona since he assumed office in 2010, Duterte shied away from the impeachment proceedings as properly as should be.
But because the impeachment process is a political procedure relying completely on the numbers the majority can muster in both chambers of Congress, the implication that Sereno wants to convey is that the ouster move would not happen without the President – like an orchestra – waving the conductor’s baton.
However, it must be explained that the public is getting educated based on the flow of the proceedings and are able to amass a lot of legal jargon to make an informed choice.
Political partisanship is unavoidable. Being a designate of PNoy, Sereno is construed to be wearing the yellow color and those supporting her are also believed to belong to the same dye, like VP Leni Robredo. Civil society and anti-Marcos guys and the religious (CBCP in particular) are cheering for the respondent.
In this scenario, sectors of the population who have grouped themselves into anti-PNoy partisans and emerged as pro-Duterte blocs are thereupon backing the impeachment of the current Chief Justice.
The cinematic appeal of the impeachment process endures. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Heb. 11:40. “God has planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES.!
