Press Release
March 3, 2018

Dispatch from Crame No. 252:
Sen. Leila M. de Lima's statement on the acknowledgement of her Senate colleagues that she can likely participate in the impeachment proceedings of Chief Justice Sereno

3/3/18

I thank the Senate President for acknowledging that, as a sitting Senator, I can participate in the trial of Chief Justice Sereno, if and when she is impeached by the other Chamber.

Certainly, as a sitting Senator, I am mandated under the Constitution to take part in such proceedings of grave importance.

My lawyers will, in due time, file the appropriate motion with the courts.

At a time when the ruling party is this powerful, with a President with an authoritarian bent at its helm, it behooves the Senate - as it behooves the whole nation - that everything be done to secure and promote the legitimacy and impartiality of the impeachment proceedings. After all, if those who seek the ouster of the Chief Justice succeed in their endeavor, it will effectively open the door to the further consolidation of power in the President's and in his party's favor.

Thus, I am certain that the Senate President, as a leading member of the ruling party, is quite aware that it is absolutely critical that members of the minority, such as myself, are allowed to genuinely and effectively participate in such a sensitive and potentially game-changing event in our nation's history. I, therefore, hope for and anticipate the Senate President's and the rest of my colleagues' support for my participation therein, if and when the time comes.

Para sa Bayan...

News Latest News Feed