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MANILA, Philippines – The lawyer of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez on Wednesday appealed to the committee on justice at the House of Representatives to allow her to file her reply to the two impeachment complaints until next week, after initially snubbing the summons of the chamber.
But Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr., chairman of the committee, said that the period for her to respond has lapsed. He said that any reply from the Ombudsman would be treated as part of the “evidence” in the ongoing “clarificatory” hearings.
“But failure to answer will not preclude her from presenting evidence is support of her defenses. Pleadings will be treated as evidence to support the defense of the Ombudsman and it will be considered by the committee on justice before voting,” Tupas said.
The justice committee on Wednesday began the “clarificatory” hearings that would allow the complainants to present their evidence before the panel.
Gutierrez’s lawyer, Anacleto Diaz, asked the panel to allow her client to file answer the two complaints until next week.
Diaz said that prior to the charges, Gutierrez had an “unblemished record” and did not face graft and corruption charges.
“Once we filed our reply, the committee members will be convinced that the charges against her are false and baseless, and that hopefully when she retires, she will be able to do so with honor and pride,” Diaz said.
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But Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr., chairman of the committee, said that the period for her to respond has lapsed. He said that any reply from the Ombudsman would be treated as part of the “evidence” in the ongoing “clarificatory” hearings.
“But failure to answer will not preclude her from presenting evidence is support of her defenses. Pleadings will be treated as evidence to support the defense of the Ombudsman and it will be considered by the committee on justice before voting,” Tupas said.
The justice committee on Wednesday began the “clarificatory” hearings that would allow the complainants to present their evidence before the panel.
Gutierrez’s lawyer, Anacleto Diaz, asked the panel to allow her client to file answer the two complaints until next week.
Diaz said that prior to the charges, Gutierrez had an “unblemished record” and did not face graft and corruption charges.
“Once we filed our reply, the committee members will be convinced that the charges against her are false and baseless, and that hopefully when she retires, she will be able to do so with honor and pride,” Diaz said.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]