Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen is currently facing an impeachment complaint filed with the Lower House of Congress.
Flag-Maharlika Secretary General Edwin Cordevilla, with former senatorial candidate Atty. Larry Gadon as his legal counsel, filed a complaint against Justice Leonen accusing the latter with culpable violation of the Constitution for delaying 37 cases, and betrayal of public trust due to Leonen allegedly submitting an incomplete Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net worth (SALN).
“Hindi naman talaga siya qualified na maging Supreme Court Assoc. Justice dahil walang experience sa government service. The only government service that he has is ‘yung chairman siya ng peace talk panel. (He is really not qualified to be a Supreme Court Assoc. Justice because he has no experience in government service. The only government service he has is being the chairman of the peace talk panel.)” Gadon pointed out.
The cousin of former senator and 2016 vice presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos and Ilocos Norte Representative Angelo Marcos Barba endorsed the impeachment complaint.
“Mang Ed Cordevilla came to me and as a constituent in my district, I entertained him. I heard his complaint and I believed in it. That’s why I’m here as his congressman.”
Justice Leonen received the information but has yet to receive a copy. He believes that “given the urgent and pressing needs of our people during this time of crises, we are confident that our leaders will do the right thing. Certainly, this may not be to attend to false issues raised by some for clearly personal or vindictive reasons.”
House Committee on Justice Vice Chairperson Alfredo Garbin disclosed that the complaint will go through the Committee on Justice where voting will occur and then move to the plenary. Once in the plenary, 1/3 of the votes of the Lower House members must endorse it. However, there could be a “shortcut” if the complaint would be endorsed by 1/3 members of the House of Representatives.
Moreover, Garbin assured that their committee will be fair in discussing the impeachment complaint. – Report from Daniel Manalastas
