Testifying at Sereno impeach proceedings not an affront to judicial independence — 2 SC justices

Two of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno's colleagues in the Supreme Court (SC) believe testifying before the House of Representatives does not, in any way, undermine the independence of the judiciary.

Associate Justices Lucas Bersamin and Samuel Martires took turns in denying before the House of Representatives justice committee that their appearance and testimony in connection with the impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno would affect judicial independence.

"Hindi naman namin nakikita ang exercise na ito na harmful to the independence of the judiciary. We see this rather as part of the constitutional scheme. That's why we honor the invitation very readily. We found to the invitation to be a reasonable exercise of your power to impeach, so we are here, but not as witnesses of [complainant] Mr. [Larry] Gadon," Bersamin said when asked about the matter by South Cotabato Representative Ferdinand Hernandez.

Martires said he did not divulge secrets of the judiciary in the course of his testimony on the delayed release of survivorship benefits of spouses of justices and judges.

"Did I testify against the Chief Justice? No, I did not say anything against the Chief Justice. Did I divulge secrets of the judiciary? No, I did not because there are no secrets to be divulged. I came here because of that invitation and not to undermine the integrity of the judiciary," he said.

Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta declined to give an opinion even as he assured his respect for the impeachment process. 

"We believe that these impeachment proceedings kayo lang po ang may power to conduct impeachment proceedings. That is your power. Yung invitation po ninyo, we are respecting it kaya po nandito po kami," he said.

Peralta said they honored the invitation so as to avoid a clash between the judiciary and legislature.

"Ayaw po namin dumating ang panahon na i-subpoena niyo kami eh because kung sinubpoena niyo kami baka there will be a clash between two independent branches. It is better to come here to show respect and honor the independence of Congress," he said.

The justices also said they hold no grudges against Sereno.

"Wala po akong masamang loob sa Chief Justice. Mahal ko siya. As the leader of my institution, I will respect her. I honor her difficulties but just to give you that idea para po walang pagkakamali, ako po ay hindi biased sa kanya," Bersamin said.

The House panel is conducting hearings aimed at determining whether there is probable cause to elevate the complaint the Senate, which will act as the impeachment court. — RSJ, GMA News