By BEN ROSARIO
Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez yesterday assured Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno that her lawyers will be allowed to cross examine witnesses if she will appear in today’s hearing of the impeachment case filed against her.
This developed as the defense lawyers informed the House Committee on Jusice that the embattled Supreme Court chief has “chosen to attend the Nov. 22 hearing through her legal counsel.”
Interviewed by television personalities Winnie Monsod and Rea Santos, Alvarez said Sereno’s right to counsel and cross examination will be respected so long as she personally appears at today’s proceedings.
“Ang stand ng house ay pumunta po si CJ Sereno doon. Ngayon, kung ayaw niyang magsalita, papayagan namin ang mga abogado niya magsalita,” Alvarez said when asked if lawyers may represent the impeachment respondent.
Pressed on whether or not the lawyers may be allowed to cross examine, the House leader responded that this will be allowed.
“Pupuwede po lahat basta dumalo lamang siya doon (All is possible so long as she will attend)” Alvarez said.
The speaker also stated that he will reject calls him to recuse himself for his alleged involvement in the PIATCO scandal.
He pointed out that all cases filed against him in connection with the airport construction deal have been dismissed.
The justice committee has invited Sereno to personally defend herself as the panel starts to discuss the evidences and question witnesses against her.
In a letter addressed to the justice panel chaired by Mindoro Oriental Rep. Reynaldo Umali, Sereno’s lawyers said they have been authorized to represent her in the hearing.
The letter was signed by lawyers Alexander Poblador, Dino Vivencio Tamayo and Anzen Dy.