'Survey results show people's perception on Merci's performance'

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang believes the results of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing 52 percent of the people supporting the impeachment of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez is a form of judgment on her performance as chief of the anti-graft body.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the results of the survey could influence the senators who would sit as judges during the impeachment trial of Gutierrez.                       

He said, however, that the Palace would respect the decision of the Senate.

“We’ll certainly respect their judgment and their discretion on this matter, (but) all of us do not exist in a vacuum,” Lacierda said in an interview with radio dzRB.                                         

Lacierda said the administration would pursue judicial reforms but it would have difficulty doing so while Gutierrez is in office.                                             

Communications Group Secretary Ricky Carandang said the opposition members supporting Gutierrez should realize the people want a different Ombudsman.                                        

“I think the public supports the efforts that are being undertaken by the House in this impeachment,” Carandang said in an interview after attending the Philippine National Police Academy graduation rites in Silang, Cavite.

Carandang said the Palace was pleased with the outcome of the SWS survey.

“You can look at it two ways. They can say that it’s not overwhelming, but clearly half of the people are definitely sure that they want her impeached. There are a number of people who want to see more of the evidence and that, I think, is fair. But only eight percent, if I’m not mistaken, say she should not be impeached,” he said.                              

The House of Representatives has charged Gutierrez with betrayal of public trust, which is the basis for the impeachment complaint against her.                                     

Lawyer Froilan Bacungan, a former dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law, said betrayal of public trust is not considered a crime under the revised penal code, but an administrative remedy stipulated in the Constitution to remove public officials of constitutional bodies.            

Betrayal of public trust, he said, is sanctioned with removal from office but carries no criminal liability.                        

After an official of a constitutional body is removed from office, the criminal cases incorporated in the impeachment complaint can be pursued in criminal courts. – With Perseus Echeminada