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MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) After the justice committee of the House of Representatives found probable cause to impeach Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez for betrayal of public trust, the committee’s next task would be to make sure that the Senate would convict her based on the “strong and sufficient evidence” it would present during the trial.
In a Radyo Inquirer interview Wednesday, Cavite Representative Elpidio Barzaga, Jr. said that this would be a “tough job” and the committee was now drafting its report together with the articles of impeachment to be transmitted to the House committee on rules, which will schedule a plenary meeting.
Sixteen, the magic number, or three-fourths of the Senate membership is required to convict Gutierrez, according to Barzaga.
He added that they were hoping to submit the report to the plenary before the House would go on recess on March 23. Once the plenary decides to impeach Gutierrez, the case will be elevated to the Senate, which will be converted into a special court for the trial.
The justice committee found probable cause Tuesday to impeach Gutierrez for betrayal of public trust based on the two complaints that were lodged against her last year.
For the full interview, listen to Radyo Inquirer, DZIQ 990 AM.
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