Another SC justice interested to attend Sereno impeach hearing: Umali

MANILA- Another magistrate of the Supreme Court has expressed interest in attending the impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno at the House of Representatives.

Associate Justice Samuel Martires wants to join his colleagues in testifying in the ouster proceedings and will do so once he has the authority of the full court, House Justice Committee Chair Rey Umali announced.

• 3 more justices to testify in Sereno impeach hearing: Umali

Martires is President Rodrigo Duterte's first appointee to the High Court.

Associate Justice Teresita de Castro last week attended the proceedings and will return on Dec. 11 along with Associate Justices Noel Tijam and Francis Jardeleza, and retired Justice Arturo Brion.

Several Supreme Court employees on Tuesday attended the impeachment proceedings against Sereno, such as Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez, and Deputy Clerk of Court En Banc, among others.

The Chief Justice is currently facing impeachment at the House of Representatives after a complaint filed by lawyer Larry Gadon was declared sufficient in form, substance and grounds.

The complaint stemmed from several accusations, including Sereno's alleged lavish lifestyle and non-disclosure of fees she received as government counsel in a high-profile case in her 2010 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth.