Give Sereno a chance to prove herself- IBP spokesperson

MANILA, Philippines – Newly-appointed Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno should be given the chance to prove her independence and character of leadership, a spokesperson of the Integrated Bar Of the Philippines (IBP) said Monday.

In an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990 AM, IBP spokesperson Trixie Angeles said that members of the IBP were not very concerned with issues on Sereno’s independence and that they hoped that Sereno, as the first woman chief justice, would bring forth a positive outlook for the Supreme Court.

“We’re hoping na dahil bata siya ay maglalagay siya ng bagong outlook doon sa Korte Suprema,” Angeles said.

Angeles said that members of the IBP conducted their own “straw balloting” on who would be the next chief justice in early August and that Sereno garnered the second highest votes from the members. She said that Supreme Court Associate Justice Roberto Abad topped the votes while Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio ranked eight.

Angeles said that reactions from the members of the IBP on Sereno’s appointment ranged from contemplative to welcoming, noting that Sereno’s reputation as a “professor for independent thinking” and her “exceptional academic background” were factors considered by the members in their own poll.

She added that Sereno, with her expertise in international economics law, would introduce reforms in laws on financial transactions and economics.

In a separate Radyo Inquirer interview Monday, Vincent Lazatin, Executive Director of the Transparency and Accountability Network, also echoed Angeles’ wait and see stance on Sereno’s appointment but that he was concerned about the new chief justice’s 18 year stint.