Sereno ‘to stay for the long haul’ – lawyer

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno is in this “for the long haul” as she intends to utilize her indefinite leave from the Supreme Court (SC) “to fully prepare for her defense at the Senate trial,” her spokespersons said on Thursday.

“We don’t know the specifics of her itinerary, whether she intends to go abroad, pero kasama ‘yung mahigpit na pakikipag-ugnayan, kasama ang meeting with the lawyers para mapaghandaan ang depensa,” said Atty. Josa Deinla in a press conference held in Quezon City.

“Kailangan lang i-anticipate ang charges. Lahat kailangan masusing pag-aralan,” she added.

Atty. Jojo Lacanilao, meanwhile, said that they would only respond to the accusations against Sereno once the articles of impeachment have been set.

“Hihintayin namin kung anong (articles of impeachment) ang ilalagay and we will respond accordingly. The only thing they need to do is prove the allegations and kami sasagot,” Lacanilao told reporters.

“She (Sereno) is here to stay for the long haul. She intends to stay and not to resign,” he also said.            /kga