Speaker endorses impeachment complaint against Leonen
HOUSE Speaker Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco endorsed an impeachment complaint against a Supreme Court justice filed in December for alleged violations to the 1987 Constitution. In a document dated March 25 addressed to the House committee on rules, Mr. Velasco said, “We endorse… the impeachment complaint filed by Mr. Edwin M. Cordevilla against Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario Victor F. Leonen of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.” Mr. Cordevilla, head of the Filipino League of Advocates for Good Government, filed the complaint based on the justice’s alleged culpable violation of the Constitution over delayed resolution and disposal of cases. The complainant accused Mr. Leonen of failing to submit his Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). Ilocos Sur Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba was the first lawmaker to endorse the impeachment complaint in December. By submitting to the House rules panel, the impeachment complaint becomes part of the chamber’s plenary agenda. — Gillian M. Cortez
Garbin unfazed by ‘cha-cha’ critics
THE chair of the House of Representatives’ committee on constitutional amendments said lawmakers will focus on the passage of the proposed economic charter change after a fellow congressman said this will not push through when Congress resumes sessions on May. In a message to BusinessWorld on Sunday, AKO BICOL Party-list Rep.Alfredo A. Garbin, Jr., the committee chair, said solons will “will not be distracted by any criticism or innuendos that is only meant to derail remaining reforms in support of economic recovery and enduring progress. We cannot afford to squander this precious little time in the midst of crisis and great need.” Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Michael T. Defensor said on Saturday Congress will not be able to pass the economic amendments to the Constitution by May as there are other priorities before the annual adjournment in June. Resolution of Both Houses No. 2 was filed by House Speaker Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco and approved last January by the House charter change panel. Mr. Velasco said they target to finish debates before the plenary and approve the resolution by the end of May. The proposed amendments will add the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” in crucial economic provisions of the constitution. — Gillian M. Cortez