Embattled Ombudsman runs to SC to halt impeach move By Benjamin B. Pulta 09/14/2010

Embattled Ombudsman runs to SC to halt impeach move
By Benjamin B. Pulta
09/14/2010

Embattled Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has petitioned the Supreme Court (SC) to stop the impeachment proceedings against her before the House of Representatives.

In a 60-page petition filed by her lawyer retired SC Justice Serafin Cuevas, Gutierrez sought the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the House committee on justice, headed by Iloilo Rep. Neil Tupas Jr.

SC Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez in a press briefing said the case may be raffled either today or tomorrow by the tribunal to determine the justice who will handle it.

Gutierrez also asked the high court to nullify the resolutions of the House committee finding the two impeachment complaints filed against her sufficient in form and substance as she described the proceedings before the legislature as an “arbitrary, capricious and whimsical exercise by the committee of its power to impeach.”

Two groups have filed separate impeachment complaints against Gutierrez for allegedly failing to act on the corruption and human rights violation cases filed against Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo accusing Gutierrez of culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100914hed2.html