MANILA - The camp of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Thursday asked the House justice committee to allow them to cross-examine the witnesses in the impeachment complaint against her.

In a letter filed by her lawyers, the Sereno camp said the rules of the House of Representatives allow petitioners and respondents to conduct an examination and cross-examination subject to the time limit set by the committee chair.

The Sereno camp also asks the House panel to consider those who testified against her in the course of the impeachment proceedings as witnesses and not just mere resource persons.

"All the Chief Justice asks of Congress -- a co-equal branch of the government -- is that the latter be fair and follow their own rules as the impeachment proceedings unfold. These rules clearly state the Chief Justice's right to cross examine any witness that may be put on the stand. She asserts this right," said Atty. Carlo Cruz, spokesperson of Sereno.

Cruz stressed that Sereno has been cooperative during the course of the impeachment proceedings as she respects the independence of the co-equal branches of the government, and they hope that her rights will be respected too.

"As the charges against her are deliberated upon, there are alarming indications that she will be denied the right to cross-examine those that will bear witness against her," Cruz added without giving more details.

The House Committee on Justice has found impeachment complaints against Sereno filed by Atty. Lorenzo Gadon sufficient in form and substance, despite the use of newspaper clippings as evidence.

The House panel, with the same vote, declared "sufficient in substance" the complaint, which accused Sereno of culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, corruption, and other high crimes.