Sereno's team: Witnesses will be examined through counsels

MANILA, Philippines — The camp of chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno clarified that the she will argue on the merits of the impeachment complaint against her on merits, through her counsels.

Sereno's team of lawyers was reacting on a statement made by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez that hit on the chief justice's team for seemingly diverting the issue.

In a report from Interaksyon, Alvarez told reporters in a text message that Sereno should  "argue on the merits and appear before the committee on justice."

READ: House won't compel Sereno to attend hearings

In a statement, Sereno's team stressed that: "It is wrong to assume that the CJ doesn't want to attend the hearings. She does — except that she intends to do so through counsel."

"The Chief Justice has nothing to fear and nothing to hide. But contrary to the Speaker's suggestion, this cannot be demonstrated simply by showing up," the statement reads.

Sereno's camp added: "A fair and judicious proceeding that curtails no rights is the only way by which the Chief Justice can effectively defend herself."

The chief justice is being accused of corruption, committing high crimes, betrayal of public trust and violation of the Constitution.

Motion to allow cross-examination by counsels

According to Section 6 of the Congress' Rules of Procedure in Impeachment Proceedings: "The Committee shall have the power to issue compulsory processes for the attendance of witnesses as well as the production of documents and other related evidence."

Last September 28, Sereno's team of lawyers filed a motion to ask the House panel that they may be allowed to confront and cross-examine the resource persons against Sereno.

Two letters reiterating their bid were also filed by her team.

The committee has yet to issue a resolution on Sereno's pending motion.

Petitioner Larry Gadon said that at least six justices are willing to testify against Sereno before the Congress.

READ: Sereno challenges De Castro: Choose your legacy

The House of Representatives will resume deliberating on the Sereno's impeachment case on Wednesday, November 22.

In an earlier interview, Atty. Josa Deinla said that: "Under the constitution, since she is the accused, Sereno has the right to be defended by her lawyers."

"Only she has the right to decide whether or not to exercise this right since she is a respondent, who is similar to an accused, and not just a witness or resources person invited by the Congress," Deinla added.

The complaint was filed by lawyer Larry Gadon, a vocal supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte and a senatorial-ran but defeated in the 2016 national elections under the Marcos-era banner of Kilusang Bagong Lipunan.