SERENO READY TO FACE SENATE TRIAL
Chief magistrate says she will not yield to political pressure and will continue fighting to maintain judicial independence. Davide hits proposed federal form of government, saying it will allow political interference in judicial appointments.
“Let the impeachment trial in the Senate begin,” embattled Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno declared yesterday.
In a forum on “Road to Judicial Reforms” at the University of the Philippines Cebu, Sereno lamented how the lawmakers denied her of due process.
“The Filipinos must hear me in the Senate. It is not too much to ask. In fact, it so little compared to what they made me go through,” Sereno told the forum’s audience.
Sereno said she is ready to present her evidence during the impeachment trial on April 10.
“The Chief Justice is asking for nothing but her right to due process. I ask for nothing but the most basic right of due process. If they have done it to me, the Chief Justice, then whom is safe in this country?” Sereno asked.
Sereno vowed not to succumb to political pressures and will fight to maintain judicial independence.
“To be independent is to open yourself to vilification. I do not serve a personal purpose. I only serve a national purpose,” she
added.
Sereno then pointed out that the judiciary should serve as a check and balance.
“There is never-ending spin against me. I have no choice but to defend the judiciary. They cannot make a brave Filipino coward
in fear...The Filipinos must demand their right to the story,” Sereno said, adding that she had to undergo nationwide humiliation in her effort to defend the Constitution
Retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., for his part, criticized the proposed federal form of government by President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
Davide described the proposed shift of government as “the longest calvary for the judiciary.”
He said that judicial powers will no longer be vested in the Supreme Court.
The proposed federal government aims to abolish the Judicial and Bar Council, thus allowing political interference to judicial appointees.
“Judges and justices will be put at the mercy of politicians and political dynasties,” he said.
Voting 38-2, the House Justice Committee had found “probable cause” to impeach Sereno.
Sereno is being accused of corruption, violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes, which are valid grounds for impeachment under the Constitution.
Solicitor General Jose Calida also filed a quo warranto case, which seeks to oust Sereno on the ground that her appointment is invalid for her failure to comply with the requirement when she applied for the top magistrate. /