House Speaker junks plan to impeach 8 SC justices

Friday, February 10, 2012

MANILA -- Prosecutor Rodolfo Fariňas’ plan to impeach the Supreme Court (SC) justices who voted in favor of the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) on PSBank records Thursday will likely get nowhere after the House Speaker himself said he will not support the move.

In a text message, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said “he’s (Fariňas) just feeling frustrated. I would not support it myself”.

Fariňas earlier said that he will consult with the House leadership on his plan to initiate a resolution of impeachment against the eight SC justices.

“But if the (House) leadership refuses to pursue this, then I cannot do anything,” he added.

The lawmaker from Ilocos Norte said the issuance of a TRO is an encroachment to the powers of the Senate, which, under the Constitution, has the sole power to try and decide on impeachment cases.

The eight justices who voted in favor of the issuance of a TRO are Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo de Castro, Arturo Brion, Roberto Abad, Jose Perez, Lucas Bersamin, Martin Villarama, Bienvenido Reyes, and Jose Mendoza. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)