The 2nd Impeachment

MANILA, Philippines—The fate of the impeachment complaint against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez may not be known Wednesday because the defense panel has been granted more time to study the allegations of her bias and inaction on controversial cases involving the First Couple.

Justice Committee Chair and Quezon City Rep. Matias Defensor Tuesday said he approved the panel’s request for more time to go over the issues raised during the last hearing.

The defense panel is expected to present its case on Sept. 15, Defensor added.

Voting on the substance of the impeachment complaint may take place on Sept. 15 itself, unless the prosecution asks to present more evidence or the members ask to defer the vote, he said.

But the Justice Committee would still meet Wednesday to discuss related matters, he said.

The lawmakers tasked to speak on the Ombudsman’s behalf include Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, Antique Rep. Exequiel Javier, Iloilo Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr., Baguio Rep. Mauricio Domogan and Cavite Rep. Jesus Crispin Remulla.

The expected voting on the substance of the impeachment complaint follows the release of the Ombudsman’s resolution dropping criminal charges against the President and her husband for the controversial national broadband network deal, and recommending the prosecution of former Commission on Elections chair Benjamin Abalos and former National Economic and Development Authority chief Romulo Neri.