Lawmakers from the opposition bloc Magnificent 7 on Thursday said they are eyeing to file an impeachment complaint against the eight justices who granted the quo warranto petition to remove Supreme Court Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno.
Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin and Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano said the eight justices of the high court have committed an impeachable offense in disqualifying Sereno’s appointment.
The eight justices who voted to remove Sereno were Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Francis Jardeleza, Samuel Martires, Noel Tijam, Andres Reyes Jr. and Alexander G. Gesmundo.
Villarin said he is planning to file the impeachment complaint before sine die adjournment of Congress on May 30.
“The next move is to file an impeachment complaint against the eight justices for culpable violation of the Constitution,” said Villarin.
According to Villarin, the justices made a unconstitutional decision by usurping the powers of the Congress to oust an impeachable official through an impeachment proceeding.
He said this impeachment move against the eight justices will be supported by the Magnificent 7.
Also, Alejano said “the Magdalo believes that the eight justices who granted the quo warranto petition to remove the Chief Justice committed an impeachable offense. Thus, we strongly believe that the filing of impeachment complaints against the justices is the only viable remedy to correct this mistake and save the integrity of the Supreme Court before the Filipino people.”
“As opposed to what the justices had exercised, we want to follow the legal way based on what is provided for in the Constitution. This action, which the Magdalo has been proposing, was already discussed in meetings with various opposition groups and apparently has gained support,” he added.
Earlier, Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice also said the eight justices can be impeached as they violated the Constitution which is very clear that the only way to remove an impeachable official is through impeachment process in Congress.
While the Congress has the right to remove an impeachable official, Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe, meanwhile, said, “in my opinion as a lawyer, the Supreme Court has already spoken. Whatever the SC says becomes a law. It might be a bad law, it might be a bad decision but we have to respect the rule of law.”