House panel eyes resolution of impeachment case vs Gutierrez

MANILA, Philippines – The House committee on justice is expected to resolve the impeachment case filed against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez after President Arroyo delivers her State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.

Quezon City Rep. Mat Defensor, chairman of the House justice committee, told reporters during a weekly news forum in Quezon City yesterday that they are in the process of determining the substance of the complaint endorsed by several congressmen.

He said the committee has given the complainants and the accused an hour each “to explain their arguments before the panel,” which may continue deliberating the case after the President delivers her SONA.

If the committee members find the complaint sufficient in substance, the panel will proceed with its investigation and direct the Ombudsman to answer the charges. The panel will also call witnesses and subpoena documents as part of the legislative process.

Defensor said the committee would then make a report to be submitted for plenary voting. – Perseus Echeminada, Michael Punongbayan