Cebu lawyers hail Sereno appointment

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Lawyers and judges in Cebu welcomed the appointment of Ma. Lourdes Sereno as the first female chief justice of the Supreme Court, describing her as a person with integrity and independence.

“History is made…  the Philippines has the first woman chief justice of the Supreme Court,” said Court of Appeals Justice Gabriel Ingles.

But more than that, Ingles said, Sereno has  integrity and independence even if she is identified with the Aquino administration.

Ingles said Sereno has not been accused of any irregularity and would be serving on the high court for many years, which meant that she would have enough time to implement reforms at the Supreme Court.

“I’m happy with her appointment. She deserves it and I believe in her independence,” Ingles added.

Judge Meinrado Paredes of the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City said Sereno was a good choice for chief justice.

“Among the nominees on the short list, Sereno has high integrity,” said Paredes.

Besides, Paredes added, Sereno is an insider and her appointment should be respected even if other senior justices including, Justice Antonio Carpio, were bypassed.

Lawyer Earl Bonachita, president of the Cebu City chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, also welcomed Senero’s appointment.

“It’s historic because she will be the first woman chief justice of the Supreme Court,” Bonachita said.

Bonachita said President Benigno Aquino was being consistent when he announced that the next chief justice would be someone with integrity, competence and adherence to the rule of law.

“Maybe, the President found those qualities in Sereno. Let’s give her a chance. I think she is an independent-minded chief justice,” Bonachita said.