“The House of Representatives has just affirmed the constitutional independence of the Judiciary by not allowing others to take advantage of the vulnerability of its members.”
This was the reaction of Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen when the members of the House Committee on Justice unanimously dismissed on Thursday, May 27, the impeachment complaint filed against him last December.
The House committee treated the impeachment complaint as a mere scrap of paper and dismissed it for insufficiency in form and substance.
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 allegedly 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 (House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal) 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.”
In a statement issued after the filing of the complaint, Leonen branded as “false” the issues contained in the complaint.
In his statement issued on Wednesday, May 27, Leonen – the third ranking member of the SC – said:
“I received word this morning that the Committee on Justice of the House of Representatives decided to dismiss the impeachment complaint filed against me on the ground that it is insufficient in form and substance. I have also since learned that it was the unanimous vote of the Committee.
“A dismissal on the basis of the mere face of the impeachment complaint affirms the baselessness of the grounds raised. It is an act that powerfully speaks for itself.
“The immediate and decisive dismissal of the Impeachment Complaint affirms our faith in House of Representatives under the leadership of the current Speaker of the House as well as the Committee on Justice. It is a leadership that refuses to be used to debase and degrade sacred constitutional processes for unworthy ends.
“Throughout these challenges, I have been privileged by the unqualified support of the Chief Justice and the entire Court en banc. I am witness to a current Court that can easily unite on the basis of principle, open to rethinking differences in judicial standpoint when presented with a better approach for the good of our society and human dignity, always working collegially as it pursues its needed autonomy to discharge its oath to protect the Rule of Law.
“Humanity faces its most difficult existential challenges. The twin threats of a raging pandemic and the dire effects of climate change should be an inspiration for all of us to find ways to help each other evolve the kind of governance founded on care and compassion.
“We are still far from our ideal society: poverty abounds, hunger is ubiquitous, inequality exists, social justice needs to be articulated more clearly and urgently made real.
“This has never been a time for recrimination. This is not the time to destroy institutions to satisfy greed and lust for power. We cannot progress by destroying the lives and reputation of others.
“Together with and inspired by our Chief Justice, the Senior Associate Justice, and my colleagues, I will continue to do my part with same modesty, honor, excellence and passion for social justice that have marked the work of my chambers in this Court.
“Finally, to the prime movers of this baseless complaint and those who have supported them, know this: I wish you well, and I wish that you will also find your own peace.
“There is no victory to be celebrated by anyone. If anything, it should remind some not to waste our time and resources for narrow parochial selfish gains. There are those in positions of leadership who will clearly see your motives and will do the right thing.
“Our people clearly see your motives. At the right time, they will do the right thing. Our titles, our public persona, even our very lives are transient. With our brief privileges, let us courageously focus on the essentials: do what is right at the right time in the right way, serve our people and serve them well.”