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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Leonen says issues raised in impeachment complaint are 'false'

Leonen says issues raised in impeachment complaint are 'false'

Published Dec 7, 2020 03:09 pm

Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen branded as “false” the issues contained in the impeachment complaint filed against him on Monday, December 7, before the House of Representatives.

WIKIPEDIA/ MANILA BULLETIN

In a statement, Leonen said:

“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.”

Leonen is the third senior member of the SC.  He is the chairperson of the court’s third division and head of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET).

He was appointed to the SC by then President Benigno Aquino III.

The impeachment complaint against Leonen was filed by Edwin M. Cordevilla, secretary general of the Filipino League of Advocates For Good Government (FLAGG).

 Leonen was charged with culpable violation of the Constitution for failing to dispose of at least 37 cases within 24 months as mandated by Section 15 (1), Article VIII, in relation to Section 16, Article III of the Constitution.

He was also accused of arbitrarily delaying the resolution of cases pending before him as HRET chairperson, and betrayal of public trust for his failure to file his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) during his tenure at the University of the Philippines (UP) as mandated by Section 7, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution.

The complaint stated that Leonen’s violations “negate the probity and integrity required of him as a member of the judiciary.”

The full text of Leonen’s statement:

“Our chambers received information that an impeachment complaint was filed today before the House of Representatives. We have not received a copy of the complaint.

“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.

“Regardless, we wish everyone the best for this season of kindness and compassion. May we all continue to help others who are still truly in need.”

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