MANILA, Philippines—Follow the Constitution, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno said on Thursday in response to calls for her to lead a transition government should President Benigno Aquino III resign.
“More than anything, people should give importance to the Constitution. I think the Constitution defines what the country should do in times of turmoil,” Sereno told reporters during the sidelines of Asean Law Association’s 12th General Assembly in Makati City.
“[The Constitution] is the one most important covenant that we are not paying attention [to],” Sereno said.
Under the Constitution, only the Vice President, Senate President and House Speaker are in the line of succession to the presidency.
“In case of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of the President, the Vice President shall become the President to serve the unexpired term. In case of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of both the President and Vice President, the President of the Senate or, in case of his inability, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, shall then act as President until the President or Vice President shall have been elected and qualified,” according to Article VII, Section 8 of the Constitution.
The group EDSA 2.22.15 Coalition called for Aquino’s resignation in favor of a transition government which would be led by Sereno.
Calls for Aquino’s resignation is mounting after the Jan. 25 clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, where 44 members of the Special Action Force were killed.
Hearings in Congress and the Senate has revealed that Aquino is coordinating with then suspended Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima to get updates on the operation to arrest international terrorist Marwan.
The National Transformation Council (NTC) also called for Aquino’s resignation and pushed for a people power revolt to overthrow the government.
The call prompted Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to issue a warning that they could face cases of proposal to commit rebellion, coup d’etat and sedition under the Revised Penal Code.
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