For rule of law, balance of power in gov’t. and constitutional processes

(The Judicial Reform Initiative issued yesterday the following statement in the wake of the Supreme Court decision on Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.)

“The Judicial Reform Initiative reiterates its stand for the rule of law, the balance of power in government, and constitutional processes. We respect the power and prerogative of the Supreme Court to hear and decide on petitions brought before its chambers. However, we are concerned that the quo warranto petition against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno was given precedence over the constitutionally mandated impeachment proceedings that had already progressed to a substantial extent in Congress at the time the petition was filed.

“We take particular note of the Court’s statement in the decision that the Chief Justice ‘chronically failed to file her SALNs and thus violated the Constitution, the law, and the Code of Judicial Conduct.’ Without passing judgment on the conclusion, this can qualify as grounds for impeachment, the determination of which is left by the Constitution exclusively to Congress through the impeachment process. We are nonetheless encouraged that the Supreme Court was closely divided in deciding the case and that it has not declared its decision to be ‘final.’

“We are hopeful therefore that due process will be preserved and any motion for reconsideration given utmost respect and attention. And we welcome any and all efforts to safeguard the integrity and sanctity of our constitutional processes. We believe there is merit in studying the findings of those justices who registered their dissent. In the meantime, we appeal for calmness and sobriety and urge the public to keep the faith in the Supreme Court as the last bastion of democracy.”

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The Judicial Reform Initiative was established in 2012 by the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, the Institute of Corporate Directors, the Management Association of the Philippines, the Makati Business Club, the American Chamber of Commerce, the European Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Shareholders Association of the Philippines, Inc., and the Movement for Restoration of Peace & Order, among others. It is an advocacy group for judicial effectiveness as a foundation of economic progress.