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[av_heading heading=’‘Lawyers can’t represent Sereno, cross-examine witnesses’ ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – The House of Representatives justice committee ruled that Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno cannot be represented by legal counsels in the impeachment proceedings against her.
Voting 30-4 yesterday, the committee members invoked Section 13 (2) of the House Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation.
“The participation of counsel for the witness during the hearing and while the witness is testifying shall be limited to advising on the legal rights of the said witness,” the rule stated.
The panel also denied the lawyers of Sereno the chance to cross-examine witnesses.
Members approved the motion that they were the only ones allowed to cross-examine witnesses and participate in the proceedings.
Ramon Rocamora (Siquijor), one of those who voted against the motion, said Sereno’s lawyers should be allowed to cross-examine in lieu of the chief justice.
On Tuesday, Sereno, who will not attend the proceedings, gave a special power of attorney to her lawyers to cross-examine the impeachment witnesses on her stead.
“If we’re really interested in expediting these proceedings, in my experience, I allow the lawyers of the Chief Justice to respond directly in this committee, to save time,” said Rocamora.
But Rodante Marcoleta (SAGIP partly-list) and House justice committee chairman Reynaldo Umali opposed this.
“Sila (Sereno’s lawyers) po ba’y mas magaling mag-cross-examine kesa sa Chief Justice?” Marcoleta said. “Unless she’s willing to issue an affidavit that she’s incompetent to cross-examine. I cannot imagine she’s incompetent to cross-examine.”
“We are not depriving anyone of their right,” Umali said. “We are not depriving the respondents of their right to cross-examine. While they can do it personally, they can raise their concerns through members of the panel.”
‘SAD DAY FOR JUSTICE’
Sereno’s camp slammed the House justice committee’s decision.
“This is a sad day for justice in this country that the chief justice, who has fought steadfastly to uphold the Constitution and the right of the citizen, has now been denied her own constitutional rights,” said Atty. Josa Deinla, spokesperson.
“The chief justice is eager to defend herself consistent with her rights and looks forward to her trial before the Senate, where she is hopeful her rights will be fully respected,” Deinla said.
According to Deinla, the House justice committee disregarded Sereno’s fundamental rights as a respondent in impeachment proceedings.
“While it is the House which, under the Constitution, has the exclusive power to initiate all cases of impeachment, it can conduct the impeachment process only in accordance with the standards imposed in other provisions in the Constitution,” said Deinla.
Sereno was accused of violating the Constitution, corruption, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes./PN
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