Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno (File photo from Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno will take an “indefinite leave” beginning Thursday, March 1, a court insider said.
The country’s top magistrate reportedly decided to take a leave of absence following an en banc session wherein the allegations in the impeachment complaint against her have been allegedly raised and discussed by the Supreme Court justices.
Court sources also said Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio will be the SC’s acting Chief Justice in the absence of Sereno.
However, Sereno’s camp refuted such initial report, and clarified that the Chief Justice will merely take a “wellness leave.”
“Not indefinite. Duration is March 1 to 15. It has already been scheduled from March 15 to 23 but she is advancing it so she can prepare for her defense at the Senate,” Atty. Josa Deinla, one of Sereno’s spokesperson said in a text message. /kga