By Genalyn D. Kabiling
It is up to Chief Justice Maria P.A. Lourdes Sereno to decide if she would retire or resign amid the impeachment proceedings initiated against her in Congress, Malacañang said yesterday.
“Hindi ko alam kung entitled to retire because she’s fairly young. Bahala na siya mag-decide sa isyu na yan. Ang panawagan lang natin ay sana po bigyan ng pansin yung institusyon ng Hudikatura,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.
Roque said they hope Sereno would use her indefinite leave to reflect on her legacy and consider the best interest of the Supreme Court. He noted that the integrity of the Judiciary is already at stake as the Chief Justice faces an impeachment complaint over alleged failure to declare her true wealth.
“Sana talagang magmuni-muni si Chief Justice kung ano talaga dapat gawin dahil hindi naman ito personal na kaso ni Chief Justice. Nakasalalay din dito ang integridad ng Korte Suprema at Hudikatura bilang isang institusyon,” he said.
Sereno has taken an indefinite leave starting yesterday so she could reportedly prepare for her defense in the impeachment trial at the Senate. The embattled Chief Justice has rejected calls to resign despite reported pressure from some colleagues in the SC and other lawmakers.
Roque once again denied allegations that the Palace was behind the impeachment case against Sereno. He said it was clear that her colleagues at the SC were testifying against her.
“Huwag ituro ang Palasyo sa impeachment na ‘yan gaya ng kabyang nassabi sa nakalipas na araw,” he said.
But in case Sereno is removed from office through the quo warranto proceedings questioning her appointment, Roque acknowledged that the Executive branch would implement any court decision on the matter. “It’s novel, but I don’t see how the Executive can be involved in this other than if the quo warranto succeeds and the court order that she should be removed, I can assure you, the Executive will implement it because we’re the chief implementor of the law,” Roque said.
“But we will defer to the decision of Congress. We will defer to the decision of the Supreme Court itself if and when this issue is brought to its attention,” he added.
