De Castro: SC will maintain its judicial independence

Newly appointed Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo De Castro on Tuesday assured the public that the Supreme Court will continue to maintain its judicial independence amid criticism from some sectors questioning her appointment.

“I won’t have any problem maintaining the independence of the judiciary, I’d like to inform everyone that up to this time, I have not met the President. I have not seen him, I have not approached him, whether directly or thru anybody, so he appointed me without knowing me personally so I don’t think the President will do anything that will impair the independence of the judiciary,” De Castro said when she faced the media after she took her oath before the Court en banc.

President Rodrigo Duterte has displayed strong political will in ensuring that the merit system in the judiciary is followed as well as the time-honored tradition of seniority in the Supreme Court, said De Castro.

“Seniority is important because one who is senior will have a vast experience as to the workings of the Court, and it is expected that the senior members of the court will have the respect of the rest of the members of the Court,” she added.

The long standing tradition of seniority was disregarded by then President Benigno Aquino III when he appointed Maria Lourdes Sereno, the most junior high court magistrate as Chief Justice. /ee

READ: Duterte’s choice: De Castro Chief Justice for 41 days