MANILA, Philippines - Speaker Prospero Nograles has instructed members of the House committee on justice to dispose of the impeachment complaint against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez by mid-September.
In a statement, Nograles said he has already directed panel chairman Quezon Rep. Matias Defensor to decide the case at the soonest so they can focus on more important things like passing vital measures that remain pending in the chamber.
“I have suggested to the members (of the Defensor committee) to try and finish this by middle of September and bring it to the plenary as we would like to just concentrate on pending legislative matters,” he said.
With regard to queries on the Ombudsman’s dismissal of the case against President Arroyo and First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, the Speaker said the impeachment case against Gutierrez might have a bearing, although it depends on how lawmakers will vote.
“Technically this may help influence the votes at the proper time. It all depends on the members of the justice committee. It’s best to just sit and wait for the developments in the next two hearings,” Nograles opined.