Calida calls Sereno a ‘usurper of the office of Chief Justice’

Solicitor General Jose Calida on Monday branded Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno as a “usurper,” on the eve of the oral arguments on his ouster plea against her.

“As we pay homage to the Filipino soldiers who fought gallantly against foreign invaders during the second World War, we also celebrate the heroism of the current crop of Filipinos from the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP (Philippine National Police) as they continue to defend our country and its citizens,” Calida said on Twitter as he paid homage to Filipino veterans on Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).

“Coincidentally, I will be defending the Republic tomorrow against Sereno, who usurps the office of Chief Justice,” the Solicitor General added.

Coincidentally, I will be defending the Republic tomorrow against Sereno, who usurps the office of Chief Justice. 👊🏼🇵🇭#ArawNgKagitingan#DayOfValor pic.twitter.com/cnRtUPnGyx

— SolGen Jose C Calida (@SolGenCalida) April 9, 2018

The oral arguments were set on April 10, Tuesday, at the Session Hall of the Supreme Court (SC) compound in Baguio City. It was Sereno who requested the conduct of oral arguments.

Calida earlier filed a quo warranto petition before the SC to seek Sereno’s ouster for failing to submit the complete requirements when she applied for the top judicial post.

In a quo warranto proceeding, the petitioner challenges the respondent’s right to hold office. /je