Duterte as prosecutor in Sereno impeachment “pure nonsense” — Panelo
Chief Presidental Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo explained that because the House of Representatives has the exclusive power to initiate all kinds of impeachment, its members are tasked to prosecute impeachable officers in impeachment trial in the Senate. Philstar.com/Denison Rey Dalupang
MANILA, Philippines — Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte cannot be a “special prosecutor” in the impeachment of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.
Lawyer Larry Gadon, the complainant in the impeachment case against Sereno, wanted Duterte to be included in the panel that would prosecute the chief justice in a Senate trial.
Panelo called Gadon’s proposal “pure nonsense,” noting it is unconstitutional.
“The president is constitutionally prohibited to hold any other office during his tenure. Even assuming that there is no prohibition, such position diminishes the Office of the President and departs from his functions and duties as mandated by the Constitution,” he said.
READ: Duterte as Sereno prosecutor proposed
The president's top counsel said that because the House of Representatives has the exclusive power to initiate all kinds of impeachment, its members are tasked to prosecute impeachable officers in impeachment trial in the Senate.
In a forum last week, Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro also said that the panel of prosecutors must come from their ranks and not from the executive branch.
Panelo believes Gadon only wanted to ensure the success of his impeachment complaint by having Duterte in the prosecution panel.
The president was a prosecutor before he became the mayor of Davao City.
Gadon, who is identified with the Marcoses and Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (Pampanga), accused Sereno of using public funds to finance her supposed lavish lifestyle, under-declaring her wealth and falsifying court documents.
The House of Representatives justice committee has declared that the complaint against Sereno has sufficient grounds to proceed.
Sereno’s camp has repeatedly denied the allegations and has expressed confidence that she would overcome the complaint against her.
Panelo said the president will ensure and preserve the independence among branches of the government
But the Chief Justice and the Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales have been the objects of tirades from the President.
READ: Point by point: Sereno answers impeachment complaint
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