Gadon's threat reeks of fear, desperation — Sereno spokesperson
Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno earlier said that she has a clear conscience and is ready to explain her side when the complaint against her is elevated to the Senate, where she hopes to be given a fair trial. Philstar.com/Efigenio Toledo IV
MANILA, Philippines — Impeachment complainant Larry Gadon's latest threat to Chief Justice Maria Sereno reeks of fear and desperation, one of her spokespersons said on Thursday.
"The latest stunt by Gadon...proves that he has completely lost faith in the impeachment proceeding in the House of Representatives," lawyer Josa Deinla said in a statement.
Gadon, in a media forum on Thursday, said that he "has decided" to file graft complaints against Sereno and several officials of the SC. But he is giving the chief justice "a chance to save them" if she will resign by March 1.
But Sereno's spokesperson dismissed the lawyer's "stunt" as "a firecracker that didn't explode."
Deinla reiterated: "Once again, the Chief Justice cannot be hostaged to bombastic threats that are built entirely on lies."
Deinla stressed that Sereno has always maintained that she will never resign from her position, as the chief justice has vowed to faithfully dispense her duty under the Constitution.
She also slammed Gadon for using the SC officials as "political tools in the impeachment."
READ: Gadon gives ultimatum to Sereno: Resign or I'll sue SC officials
"Now, Sereno's detractors are expanding their weak ouster move to professional civil servants who refuse to lie and toe the line of those wishing to see the chief justice unjustly and unfairly removed from the SC," Deinla said.
"This deserves nothing but condemnation," she added.
Last Monday, Rep. Reynaldo Umali (Oriental Mindoro) chastised Gadon when one of his claims was once again swiftly denied by the resource speakers. Umali, who also chairs the justice panel, lamented that so much time, money and effort are being wasted by the House if the charges elevated to them are fake.
The impeachment proceeding at the Lower House of the Congress will resume on February 27, for its 15th hearing. Umali also said that they will wrap up the proceeding in February.
The chief justice already said that she is ready to answer the charges against her when the House elevates the complaint to the Senate, that will act as impeachment court.
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