Gadon denies Duterte's hand in Sereno impeachment

MANILA, Philippines — Lawyer Larry Gadon, the man behind the impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, maintained that the president was not behind the effort to unseat the chief magistrate.

In a statement Wednesday, Gadon dismissed the insinuations that the Malacañang masterminded a conspiracy to oust Sereno.

“President Duterte had nothing to do with the Sereno case. It was all my decision and efforts. The impeachment case against Sereno must be viewed in its own merits more so that it was proven that Sereno had indeed committed a lot of transgressions and violations while in office,” he said.

Gadon, the president of Pro-Duterte Constitutional Reformers to Federalism, claimed that the president does not know him personally.

“If ever President Duterte has to do with it, it’s most likely only the inspiration that I am getting from his advocacy and desire to attain real change,” he said.

Duterte had repeatedly denied that he had a hand in any effort to unseat the embattled chief magistrate.

READ: Duterte seen with Sereno impeachment accuser

The lawyer behind the Sereno impeachment bid was photographed mingling with Duterte and special assistant to the president Christopher “Bong” Go during the inauguration of the Lisap Bridge in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro Tuesday.

Gadon clarified that he was at the event because he grew up in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro—neighboring town of Bongabong.

He said that he only “exchanged pleasantries” with the chief executive during the inauguration of the Lisap Bridge.

“I thanked the president for that project that directly affects the lives and economic activities of people of Mindoro,” Gadon said.

Last month, the House of Representatives justice panel approved the draft of the articles of impeachment against Sereno.

Solicitor General Jose Calida also filed a quo warranto in March, seeking the nullification of the appointment of the chief justice.

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