Sereno must resign
Indeed, this fact could not be counted against her in the impeachment proceedings, considering that this occurred before she be
However, what is clearly revealed is that Sereno has violated the law, and should not even have been considered for appointment to the judiciary, much less as the Chief Justice.
Article XI, Section 17 of the 1987 Constitu thereafter as may be required by law, submit a declaration under oath of his assets, liabilities, and net worth.” This is reiterated in Book 1, Chapter 9, Section 34 of the Administrative Code of 1987. Sections 7 and 8 of RA 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, af facie evidence to dismiss an employee due to the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, states that people like Sereno “have an obligation to accomplish and submit declarations under oath of, and the public has the right to know, and business interests including those of their spouses and unmarried children under 18 years of age living in their households.”
for failure to declare assets and liabilities, as not exceeding the equivalent of six months’ salary or suspension not exceeding one year, or removal depending on the gravity of the offense after due notice and hearing by the appropriate body or agency.” The same section also provides that violations of Sections discretion of the court of competent jurisdic
The high court which Sereno heads has government employees.
- pension of Nestor S. Valeroso for six months for his failure to disclose his ownership of several properties, as well as certain business interests of his wife, in his SALN. In G.R. Racho for his failure to satisfactorily explain the sources of his declared bank deposits. In G.R. 197307, it dismissed Flor Gupilan-Aguilar for failing to declare in her SALN a lot in Naga his SALN several assets and properties.
Yet, we have a Chief Justice who failed to The law doesn’t discriminate. Sereno’s predecessor, Chief Justice Renato - ure to declare his bank deposits. A lowly interpreter Delsa Flores was dismissed by the court and barred from further government employment for failing to disclose in her SALN a market stall that she owned.
Just recently, the Sandiganbayan convicted Jacob Meimban, a former official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), for his alleged failure to disclose the name of his wife in his SALN.
This is a case that could reach the high court on appeal. And if it does, we will be faced with the specter of a court deciding a case but whose very chief has committed something even worse.
The country must be spared from this contradiction. Sereno must make the ultimate - penalty for an act for which Valeroso, Racho, Gupilan-Aguilar, Rigor and Flores were punished, and for which Corona was removed as Chief Justice.
Sereno must resign now to ensure that the Supreme Court will have the moral ascendancy to decide over the fate of Meimban, should he appeal his dismissal.