Result of Sereno’s psychiatric test shouldn’t be made public, says JBC member

MANILA, Philippines—The result of the psychiatric and psychological examination of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno is not a public record but can probably be made as such, if in case, the newly appointed Chief Justice permits its release following the alleged leakage of the file, lawyer Jose Mejia, a Judicial and Bar Council member representing academe, said Tuesday.

In an interview with John Susi of “Susi ng mga Balita” on Radio Inquirer 990AM, Mejia said the particular test is being governed by “doctor-and-patient privilege,” and therefore should not be revealed by any means.

“Sa katunayan merong nakalagay d’yan na “strictly confidential” kaya kung sino man ang makakuha nito batid niya na ito ay hindi dapat [lumabas] . . . hindi dapat masiwalat (In fact, there is a clause there that says ‘strictly confidential’ that’s why whoever got this should know this shouldn’t come out, this shouldn’t be exposed),” he said, unlike other documents that were made open to the public such as the statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth of a public official.

However, if Sereno will permit its release through a ruling as a chief justice, “siguro walang choice kundi ilabas (perhaps we’d have no other choice but release it),” Mejia said, but added that in his opinion, it still shouldn’t be allowed considering the fact that that the psychological and psychiatric report is confidential that not even the candidates are granted of a copy even upon request.

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. AP

Earlier reports said JBC will investigate the alleged leakage of the information that was published in a newspaper citing the 11-page psychiatric and psychological report that indicates Sereno and Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza got the lowest psychological evaluation rating given to JBC candidates.

For the full interview, listen to the attached audio clip from Radyo Inquirer 990AM.