Monday, March 7, 2011

House Justice Committee Voted Probable Cause on Merci Impeachment

The Justice Committee of the House of Representatives voted on 8 March 2011 (Tuesday) in favor of finding probable cause to impeach Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez. Thirty-nine members voted in favor, nine voted against, and one abstained.

The voting came after the Supreme Court issued a ruling today junking Merci's appeal to stop the House from proceeding with her impeachment. House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. texted Ilocos Norte Representative Rodolfo Fariñas to report the ruling while the voting was ongoing.

SC Voting

Five justices voted to let the House panel continute with its hearings. Five ruled in favor of Gutierrez. Two partially concurred with the majority. And one inhibited from the court deliberations.

Not in favor. Those who maintained that the House be allowed to continue the impeachment hearings are Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, Associate Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, Associate Justice Roberto Abad, Associate Justice Jose Catral Mendoza, Associate Justice Eduardo Nachura, and Associate Justice Martin Villarama Jr.

In favor. Those favored the Gutierrez petition are Chief Justice Renato Corona, Associate Justice Arturo Brion, Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin, Associate Justice Leonardo-De Castro, and Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta.

Partially Not in favor. Those who partiallo supported the position of the majority are Associate Justice Mariano Del Castillo and Associate Justice Jose Perez.

Inhibited. Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr. did not attend the deliberation as his son, Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco, belongs to the House justice committee.

UPDATE

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee headed by Senator Teofisto Guingona III recommended in its 65-page report that Gutierrez "be held accountable for non-feasance." It also recommended to the House of Representative "to submit to the Senate the articles of impeachment against Gutierrez the soonest time possible," The Philippine Star reported on 10 March 2011. 

(Photo courtesy of Newsbreak)

Sources
Christina Mendez: "Senate committee wants special prosecutor fired," The Philippine Star 10 March 2011
Sophia Dedace: "SC junks Merci's appeal vs. House impeach bid," GMA News 8 March 2011

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