Sereno celebrates 1st of 17 birthdays as Chief Justice

Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno turned 53 on Tuesday. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno celebrated on Tuesday the first of 17 birthdays that she is expected to have as head of the Supreme Court, saying her birthday wish was that “blessings” come in the way of the judiciary, which has become an “extended family” to her.

Sereno, who turned 53 on Tuesday, took time off her busy schedule to meet with reporters covering the justice beat. She treated them to lunch at the lobby of the SC premises in Manila.

She said her birthday wish was for “my family,” which she stressed had “expanded to the judiciary.”

“I wish the judiciary to accomplish its constitutional goals,” Sereno told reporters, with whom she posed for pictures.

She said she had informed employees of the high court “that there are many challenges we have to face together that’s why I’m asking them for renewed efforts in the service of the country.”

The Chief Justice also thanked the media and asked them to continue with their vigilance in reporting the issues in the country.

Sereno was appointed by President Aquino last year after a Senate impeachment court cut short her predecessor’s term. She is to serve as Chief Justice until her retirement at age 70.