
MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Truth be told. The Philippine Constitution provides for the removal of Constitutional officials through impeachment. That includes the positions of Commissioner of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
As mandated, it is the Senate of the Philippines that conducts impeachment hearings and votes on the ouster of the Constitutional officials.
Well, two potential impeachment hearings were botched. First that of former COMELEC Commissioner Andy Bautista who resigned his position prior to the start of the hearings, and former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno who yesterday was ousted by her peers in a 8-6 vote.
This morning, Senator Bam Aquino lamented the fact that the Senate was not given the opportunity to pursue the impeachment process for the two officials.
In an exclusive interview with The Adobo Chronicles, Aquino said he was very much looking forward to donning the maroon robe that Senators wear during impeachment hearings. “I really like wearing robes, and maroon is my favorite color,” Aquino said.
Well, maybe next time. How about impeaching the Commission of Human Rights Commissioner, Chito Gascon? The ball is in your court.