Critics told to learn to deal with Sereno

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Critics of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno should live with the fact that she now heads the Supreme Court and await her reforms in the judiciary, President Benigno Aquino’s spokesman said Tuesday.

“I think those attacks are really water under the bridge,” Edwin Lacierda told reporters. “The appointment has already been made. She has taken her oath and whether it’s coming from the judiciary or not, they have to deal with the new chief justice.”

With her appointment, the high tribunal’s five most senior justices, led by Senior Associate Antonio Carpio, were effectively bypassed. In the past, the President chose the chief justice from among the ranks of the senior justices.

Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz wondered whether Sereno would be loyal to President Benigno Aquino in the court’s handling of controversial issues, such as the reproductive health bill. Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez said she should be given a chance to prove her worth.

Speaking at Monday’s National Heroes’ Day rites, the President assured Sereno of the country’s full backing when she’s faced with difficulties, even as he urged her to stand her ground, restore public trust in the judiciary, and implement a fair system of justice.

Sereno, 52, will head the high court for the next 18 years. Her appointment was announced last Friday, and her oath-taking followed the next day.

Lacierda said criticisms of Sereno have been rendered moot in light of her appointment.

“I think any criticism against the chief justice is, for all intents and purposes, irrelevant. It’s not going to sway anyone from removing her from the position of chief justice. The constitutional prerogative of the President in appointing Chief Sereno has been exercised,” he said.

Lacierda said the public should judge Sereno by her rulings and the reforms she carries out.

“The best gauge of the chief justice would be through the decisions she has made in the past, the Supreme Court decisions she has made, the principles that she stood for. Looking forward, we are going to see reforms being implemented in the judiciary, so like I said, let’s give Chief Justice Sereno a chance to prove herself,” he said.

Lacierda said Malacañang was optimistic that Sereno “would be up to the job” of implementing and institutionalizing reforms in the judiciary in the next 18 years.

“Being here for a good 18 years, that would be sufficient time for any reform to take root,” he said. “I think the critics would have a better way of channeling their frustration instead of criticizing anonymously Chief Justice Sereno. The best thing they can do is to work toward helping Chief Justice Sereno implement the reforms that are badly needed in the judiciary.”