SC justices debate Davide impeachment case

Supreme Court justices met yesterday to deliberate on six separate petitions questioning the constitutionality of the impeachment complaint initiated against Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. at the House of Representatives.

Sources said the 14 magistrates — minus Davide — showed up for work yesterday and started deliberating on the petitions in an attempt to hand down a ruling before Congress resumes session tomorrow.

Aside from the magistrates, groups of court employees were also holding separate consultation meetings on plans to stage mass walkouts and protests, either to press their demands for a higher pay or supporting Davide.

The justices started their deliberations after two days of oral arguments by eight amici curiae (friends of the court) who gave their respective legal opinions and views on the impeachment issue.

The justices admitted the appointment of amici curiae to talk on the issue was unprecedented. But they explained it was needed to clear their minds of any "cobwebs" before making a decision.

On many instances during the conduct of oral arguments, the magistrates admitted they were in a bind since they had to decide on an issue involving their very own chief justice.

Justice Artemio Panganiban earlier admitted it felt awkward for them to act on the matter though it is their duty to interpret the Constitution.

Despite the extraordinary diligence exerted, Supreme Court officials refused to comment if the justices will be able to reach a ruling by Monday.

Congressmen are expected to transmit the articles of impeachment against Davide to the Senate when Congress resumes session tomorrow.

Pro-impeachment congressmen said they will push for the immediate transmittal of the complaint to the Senate even if the Supreme Court later declares it unconstitutional.

Davide’s fate virtually hangs on the balance as five of the eight "friends of the court" gave their opinion that the Supreme Court should refrain from ruling on the constitutionality of the impeachment complaint against the chief magistrate.

On the other hand, Malacañang is still trying to persuade congressmen to adopt a covenant which will effectively drop the impeachment complaint.

The Senate, for its part, is gearing up to receive the articles of impeachment tomorrow.

It will only be the second time for the Senate to convene as an impeachment court after former President Joseph Estrada was tried for corruption in December 2000.

Senate President Franklin Drilon has said that the high court should have settled the petitions earlier to defuse the crisis brought about by the impeachment complaint.

He claimed most of the senators wanted the Supreme Court to resolve with finality the constitutional question on the impeachment complaint filed by the 86 congressmen against Davide.