Sereno reminds Aquino: Constitution is supreme
Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo
MANILA, Philippines—Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno said Thursday that mending ties with all those inconvenienced by the Supreme Court’s decisions would mean not to exercise their constitutional mandate.
During the 2nd Meet the Press, Sereno said “the Constitution designed the order of things and by constitutional design, the Judiciary must rule as it should even when and inevitably have to say what acts transgress constitutional boundaries.”
Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net
“The repercussions are already beyond the control of the Judiciary. It should not shrink from its constitutional sworn duty even if it may result to inconvenience,” Sereno added.
President Aquino, in an interview over Bombo Radyo Philippines, said the Supreme Court should not be allowed to meddle too much. He said the high court is making it hard for the Executive branch to govern.
“I have enormous respect for the President and I am sure he also has enormous respect for the Office of the Chief Justice,” Sereno said.
She added that she does not read anything into the President’s statement.
Sereno also pointed out that in her mind, the Constitution ranks first followed by devotion to duty and loyalty to country.
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