Sereno appeals for chance to defend self in Senate

Pop star welcome for chief justice Ma Lourdes Sereno at the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos in Bacolod city. CPG photo

BACOLOD CITY—Embattled Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno has an appeal to her critics: Give her a chance to defend herself in the Senate impeachment trial.

“Give me my day in the Senate impeachment court. Let my Senate trial begin,” said Sereno, addressing those who were calling for her resignation.

“After all they where so proud of repeatedly saying they have evidence against me. If that is so bring it out in a real trial and let’s see who has the truth,” she added.

Sereno was in Bacolod to speak before 1,200 students and supporters at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in Bacolod City on Tuesday morning.

Students cheered on the beleaguered chief justice and rushed to her side for a selfie. They also gave her a standing ovation after her 55-minute speech which was followed by an open forum.

Sereno called on the students to stand up and fight for the rule of law and due process.

“Your future will be endangered if you do not have the rule of law. Do not believe that shortcuts can save our nation, it cannot … it can only bring us downward in a never ending spiral where your only safety is to make sure that you are on the powerful side at the moment – but remember all power ends,” she said.

“If you have rule of law, regardless of who is the political strong person at the moment your rights and freedom are assured,” she said.