Lawyer set to file impeach raps vs Sereno over luxury vehicle

MANILA, Philippines - A lawyer is set to file an impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno for her alleged anomalous purchase of a luxury vehicle worth P8 million.

Lorenzo Gadon said he is ready to file in a week an impeachment complaint before the House of Representatives against Sereno for her “unreasonable and whimsical” procurement of a Toyota Land Cruiser.

Citing documents, he said lone bidder Toyota Makati Inc. was awarded the contract to deliver the sports utility vehicle, based on Resolution No. 2017-02 of the SC Bids and Awards Committee for Goods and Services (SC-BAC-GS) signed on Feb. 21 by SC-BAC-GS chair Thelma Baha and vice chair Eden Candelaria.

The vehicle was bought for P5.1 million, said Gadon, but P3 million more was spent for its bullet-proofing.

He said the procurement of a luxury vehicle would fall under betrayal of public trust, an impeachable offense.

Gadon added he has evidence to prove that Sereno did not declare in her statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) millions of pesos she had earned as a lawyer of the government against the Philippine International Air Terminals Co. Inc. (Piatco).

Gadon said the procurement of an expensive vehicle contradicts the policy of President Duterte against lavish lifestyle for government officials and personnel.

“This is not a good example of saving funds in government, especially that there are nearly 200 petitions for survivorship benefits of the families of justices and judges who have died,” Gadon said at a media forum in Quezon City.

On being a lawyer for Pampanga congresswoman and former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Gadon said she was not aware of his plan to file an impeachment complaint against Sereno. Arroyo is a staunch supporter of Duterte.

“She has nothing to do with this and in fact, I have not even informed her of my plans to file an impeachment case against Chief Justice Sereno,” he said.

Gadon said several lawmakers had assured him of their support for his impeachment complaint. He declined to identify them.

“I am hopeful this impeachment case will move forward,” he said. Sereno had been at odds with Duterte on some issues, including his proclamation of martial law in the entire Mindanao.