Malacañang wishes Sereno ‘good luck’ in new life as a private citizen

DAVAO CITY – Malacañang is wishing former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Serene “good luck in her everyday life as a private citizen,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Tuesday.

Roque said the decision of the Supreme Court to remove Sereno as Chief Justice is now final and executory.

“Her days as Chief Justice [are] now over,” Roque said in a press briefing here.

READ: SC rejects Sereno ouster appeal

Roque said the decision would immediately be implemented by President Duterte “being the implementor of laws and decisions of the Supreme Court.

“I know, the Palace knew that there would be opposition to the decision but in our democratic system, the Supreme Court is the final arbiter of all legal controversies so like it or hate it, we have to succumb to the decision of the Supreme Court that is now a final and executory,” he said.

Roque said Duterte’s wish is for the Filipino people to be united following the polarizing Sereno issue.

He said the President is now waiting for the shortlist of prospective candidates to the position from the Judicial and Bar Council.

“The JBC will undertake the process. The President has to choose from among the shortlist to be submitted by the JBC,” he said, adding that Malacañang has no idea who would be included in the shortlist.

“From the list, he will choose the next Chief Justice of the Republic,” Roque added. /ee