3 lawmakers urged: Don't demean peers in testimony

MANILA, Philippines - The administration whip in the House of Representatives warned yesterday the three lawmakers reportedly invited to testify in the trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona of possible sanctions if they demean their peers who signed the impeachment complaint.

House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II was referring to Reps. Tobias Tiangco of Navotas and Hermilando Mandanas of Batangas, and Deputy Speaker Jesus Crispin Remulla, who did not sign the Articles of Impeachment last Dec. 12.

The three will reportedly disclose how the signing and transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate were railroaded in a matter of hours.

The impeachment trial resumes today after a weeklong recess, with the defense’s turn to present evidence and witnesses.

“We will not prevent them from testifying,” Gonzales said.

“In the case of Congressman Tiangco, I’m not threatening him. I hope his testimony will not be considered an act inimical to the House or may cause dishonor to those members who signed the impeachment complaint,” he said.

“If he dishonors the House members, it may constitute disorderly behavior and warrant disciplinary action such as expulsion,” he added.

Gonzales said the testimonies of the three lawmakers can be considered an exercise in futility because the impeachment court had already recognized the legality of the impeachment process against Corona.

“I think his (Tiangco’s) testimony is moot and academic,” he said.

“If the Senate impeachment court believed that there was irregularity in the process, there should have been a preliminary hearing.

“The mere fact that the Senate denied the preliminary hearing, the Senate presumed regularity in the process, otherwise what are we doing at the House?

“I think it’s useless for Congressman Toby to testify, but we won’t stop him if he wants to play hero for Corona.”

In a text message, Tiangco said he would wait for the news to come out before responding to Gonzales.

“If it’s (Gonzales’ warning) in the newspapers, that’s the time I will make a comment,” he said

Tiangco resigned from the majority coalition and from his chairmanship of the House committee on Metro Manila development after refusing to sign the impeachment complaint.

Mandanas and Remulla earlier dismissed reports that lawmakers were pressured to sign the impeachment complaint, and that Malacañang had dangled pork barrel funds to them.

Mandanas was stripped of his chairmanship of the House committee on ways and means last year.

The incident had nothing to do with his stance on Corona’s impeachment, Gonzales said.