Pangilinan: Sereno can join LP; we need strong women

Former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno is welcome to join the Liberal Party’s opposition slate if she decides to run in the 2019 polls, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said on Wednesday.

“If she’s interested, I think she would be [a] good candidate. We need strong women in our ticket that wants a strong and formidable opposition,” he told reporters.

The LP president said the party is open to anyone who fights extrajudicial killings, the policy of appeasement to China in sea disputes, and corruption and abuse.

At the same time, Pangilinan welcomes Sereno’s efforts to lead the opposition and to be at the forefront of defending democracy.

“She would be a strong addition. And if she’s willing to help us lead and she wishes to lead the opposition, we welcome all efforts at uniting the opposition so that we have a strong pushback in defending and upholding our democratic rights,” Pangilinan said.

Sereno was ousted as chief magistrate through a quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida, which was approved by the the SC, voting 8-6, on May 11.

READ: Sereno kicked out by fellow SC justices in close 8-6 vote

After the Supreme Court denied her motion for reconsideration on Tuesday, Sereno addressed her supporters at the University of the Philippines.

“I stand before you now stripped of my authority and position by an unjust decision,” Sereno said. “But I do not need to be the Chief Justice to defend the laws and the Constitution. /ee

READ: Ousted CJ Sereno makes exit with guns blazing