Sereno warned against invoking too much of ‘dignified silence’

MANILA, Philippines – “Dignified silence” as invoked by Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno in turning down media interviews must not be absolute because reaching out to the court employees and the public is also necessary to institute reforms, Integrated Bar of the Philippines President Roan Libarios said Friday over Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

“The Chief Justice must learn to balance the information that should be given to the public because of the need for transparency and when is there a need for dignified silence,” Libarios said.

On her first day as Chief Justice, Sereno declined request for interviews from various media organizations. She said she would rather observe “dignified silence” to be able to restore the judiciary to its former glory.

Sereno said a justice must be heard only through the decisions they write.

But Libarios said “if she will opt to stay in the ivory tower, she would not what are the most needed reforms to institute.” He said the people on the ground could tell her what they needed most, what were needed to facilitate a faster dispensation of justice.

“It is important to also reach out, to tell the public what direction the Supreme Court is taking and she needs to inspire the people. The Supreme Court needs a face and that face is the face of the Chief Justice,” Libarios said.