THE House Committee on Justice will hear the impeachment case against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez on September 1 this year, report said Wednesday.
The committee is set to consolidate two similar impeachment case against Gutierrez filed separately.
Former Akbayan representative Risa Hontiveros, together with Retired Brigadier General Danilo Lim and Evelyn and Felipe Pestaño -- parents of Phillip Andrew Pestano, a deceased Philippine Navy Ensign who allegedly had knowledge about the involvement of Navy officials in illegal activities -- filed the first impeachment raps against Gutierrez.
Another impeachment case was lodged by progressive groups including Bayan and was endorsed by Bayan Muna Representatives Neri Colmenares and Teddy Casiño.
The complaints cited betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the 1987 Constitution as the grounds for Gutierrez's removal from office.
Casiño is unsure that the majority has 91 votes needed to send a complaint to the Senate for trial.
Justice committee chair Neil Tupas Jr. said President Benigno Aquino III's Liberal Party has yet to come up with a unified stand on the case.
He added the party may schedule a meeting to discuss the issue before the hearing on the complaint begins. (Sunnex)