Justice De Castro appears at impeachment proceeding vs Sereno

MANILA, Philippines — Associate Justice Teresita De Castro on Wednesday appeared at the House of Representatives' continuing impeachment proceeding against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

De Castro said that she welcomes the opportunity to speak before the House panel to "explain to everyone the process that we follow in deciding cases in the Supreme Court."

"This is the proper venue where I can correct the misinformation that has been spread many times during this period," De Castro added.

On November 28, the SC, sitting in an en banc session, issued a resolution that allows its justices to attend the HOR Committee on Justice hearing on the impeachment proceeding against Sereno.

"I am not after putting her down; I just want to correct what she has done," De Castro said.

Debate on RCAO

De Castro was asked to expound Sereno's order on the creation of the Regional Court Administrative Office Region 7 in 2012.

The justice said that Sereno "issued [an administrative order] designating the head of judiciary centralization office in the 7th judicial region." She added: "The Chief Justice cannot create an office because it is a legislative power [needed to do so]... It appears that she created a permanent office. The RCAO is not a permanent office."

According to De Castro, the rest of the justices raised that they should "just make a study group to look into the feasibility and wisdom of RCAO."

To which Sereno replied, according to De Castro, that she will amend her administrative order.

When the justice asked for a copy of the resolution, she was told that Sereno has instead ratified her earlier order.

De Castro said that this prompted her to write to Sereno. "I always show respect and courtesy to her, even if I see something wrong," she added.

Asked if there was action from Sereno after the justice sent her letter, De Castro said: "She didn't say anything. She didn't answer my letters. She didn't do anything."

"Do you think the issuance of [administrative order] is a violation of the Constitution?" Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas (Ilocos Norte, 1st District) asked.

De Castro replied: "I decline to answer that question."

Other justices to appear in further hearings

Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali said that retired Justice Arturo Brion sent a letter that expressed his regret for not being able to attend the hearing as he was sick.

"I shall come as soon as I am able," Brion said.

Umali added that Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza also committed to "appear in succeeding hearings."

SC Spokesperson Ted Te and Clerk of Court Felipa Anama, however, said that they will await the official promulgation of the resolution of the high court before they appear before the House panel.

The House continues to deliberate on the allegations made by Larry Gadon against Sereno.