Davide on Sereno appointment: ‘She can do it’

Retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide expressed support for newly instated Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, saying he believes that she will be able to “fully realize the vision of a real judiciary.”

“I would say that she is in complete control of the situation and should be a very good chief justice,” Davide told reporters in an ambush interview after the Ramon Magsaysay Awards ceremony Friday.

“We will continue to pray that she will continue her business of a truly independent judiciary,” Davide said. “She can do it.”

Sereno was appointed by President Benigno Aquino III to the post of the Chief Justice after a rigorous selection process by the Judicial Bar Council. She is the first female Chief Justice in the Philippines and is the second youngest appointed to the post.

Sereno took over the post after Renato Corona was removed after the country’s first completed impeachment trial.

When asked if Sereno’s appointment was what the country needs at this time, Davide said “Indeed. As a matter of fact it’s a very historical moment for the Philippines. And she’ll be there for 18 years, she can do a lot.”

“She can fully realize the vision of a real judiciary with all the hopes and aspirations of our people being pursued and thoroughly implemented by law,” Davide said.