MANILA, Philippines – Ipinapawalang-saysay sa Korte Suprema ng grupo ng Mindanao-based lawyers ang impeachment complaint laban kay Vice President Sara Duterte.
Naghain ng Petitions for certiorari and prohibition si Israelito Torreon kasama ang iba pang abugado na sina Martin Delgra, James Reserva, Hillary Olga Reserva at Davao City Councilor Luna Acosta.
Iginiit ng mga petitioner na ang impeachment complaint laban kay Duterte ay “procedurally defective, constitutionally infirm and jurisdictionally void.”
Hiniling ng mga petitioner na magpalabas amg Korte Suprema ng TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) at Writ of Preliminary Injunction at sa kalaunan ay ipawalang bisa ang impeachment complaint.
Sinabi ni Torreon na bagaman ang House of Representatives ang may exclusive power para simulan ang impeachment proceedings, nagkulang naman aniya ito sa due process. Pinagbasehan ng mga petitioner ang naging ruling ng Korte Suprema sa Francisco v. House of Representatives.
Iginiit ni Torreon na nabigo ang Kamara na sumunod sa impeachment rules.
“In the rules of procedure on impeachment proceedings, the complainant must certify that they have personal knowledge of the facts supporting the allegations against the respondent. Article 11, Section 3 of the Constitution also requires personal knowledge of the complaint filed against a public officer,” ani Torreon. TERESA TAVARES
