The move of fellow Liberal Party member, Representative Edgar Mary Sarmiento (1st district, Samar), to endorse the impeachment complaint against Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno filed at the House of Representatives, is a cause for concern.
Sarmiento was one of the 25 House members who supported the complaint filed by lawyer Lorenzo Gadon on August 30.
While the party has yet to firm up its position on the matter, and while it recognizes the right of its members to take a position on issues, Representative Sarmiento could have consulted the party leadership before making such important decision.
The impeachment process is guaranteed in the 1987 Constitution as part of the delicate system of checks and balances. However, it is a double-edged sword because while it can strengthen democracy in a fair and impartial process, it can also destroy institutions if used to go after officials perceived to be uncooperative. Objective discussions among party members will help thresh out issues like this.
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Nakakabahala ang naging hakbang ng isang kasama sa Liberal Party, ni Representative Edgar Mary Sarmiento (1st District, Samar), para katigan ang impeachment complaint laban kay Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno na inihain sa House of Representatives.
Isa si Sarmiento sa 25 na congressmen na sinuportahan ang inihaing reklamo ni Atty. Lorenzo Gadon noong August 30.
Habang pag-uusapan pa ng partido ang posisyon nito sa usaping ito, at habang kinikilala ng partido ang karapatan ng bawat miyembro na magkaroon ng sariling posisyon sa mga isyu, ang marapat sanang ginawa ni Representative Sarmiento ay ang sumangguni muna sa liderato ng partido bago nagpasya sa napakahalagang isyung ito.
Nakasaad sa 1987 Constitution ang proseso ng impeachment bilang bahagi ng isang sistema ng checks and balances. Gayunpaman, habang maaari nitong pagtibayin ang demokrasya sa isang prosesong makatarungan at walang kinikilingan, maaari rin nitong gibain ang institusyon kung ito’y gagamitin para patamaan ang mga opisyal na tinitingnang di kakampi. Ang pag-uusap ng mga miyembro sa loob ng partido ay makakatulong upang mahimay ang mga bagay tulad nito.