Barbers supports Sereno’s decision to refuse media interviews

Ace Barbers. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—“Silence is golden.”

Nacionalista Party spokesperson Ace Barbers on Friday extolled newly-appointed Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno after her decision to shun any media attention or even grant exclusive interviews as “this would wean away the judiciary from the unnecessary influence that the public-at-large would tend to exercise over affairs of the High Court.”

In a press statement, Barbers, former Surigao del Norte governor and congressman, said that Sereno’s decision to refuse any interview “would augur well with her plans to reform the judiciary without the nagging public looking over her back.”

“Let us allow her to do what she plans. I believe that CJ Sereno has solid plans for the judiciary and let us not muddle these anymore. Let her be,” said Barbers.

He also noted the good faith shown by Sereno of revealing her SALN (Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth) was “good enough of a gesture to show that the new CJ is ready and capable to lead the way in showing transparency in the judiciary.”

The Mindanaon noted that the mere fact that “CJ Sereno started with herself by allowing scrutiny over her SALN is but an indication that she is actually starting from the top – that all else, all that respect for the judiciary, should start with her.”

“(Sereno) has actually set a good and fine example with that first official move to release her SALN for public scrutiny.

It only shows that she is not hiding anything,” Barbers said. As such, Barbers underscored: “Is there a need to pressure her more? Let’s give her a fair and decent start.”

“So, it is also but a fair appeal that we just let her do her job. Leave her alone,” Barbers said.