No conflict in Supreme Court, says Sereno

Supreme Court Justice Lourdes Sereno. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Supreme Court Associate Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno denied there is a conflict among the justices of the Supreme Court.

On day 4 of the interview of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), Sereno said that while heated arguments could ensue during en banc sessions, they are just part of the job.

“After the heated arguments, we would laugh at jokes (shared by fellow justices),” Sereno told JBC members.

She said a Supreme Court justice must have a strong conviction and ready to defend what he or she thinks is right.

“I must never put myself in a position in which I cannot judge rightly,” Sereno said.

She said that foremost of the reforms needed to be implemented in the high tribunal is instilling values to members of the judiciary and teaching them faith in God.

Only 52 year old, Sereno will be one of the longest serving justice of the Supreme Court. The mandatory retirement age of high court justices is 70.