Sereno calls for unity at SC anniversary rite

Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Tuesday called for unity among court officials and employees.

In her message during the Supreme Court’s 112th founding anniversary, Sereno said it is important to maintain dedication to the Judiciary’s mandate and unity.

“This will ensure that the institution will hurdle the rigors and challenges of the times,” Sereno said in Filipino.

Sereno also reminded officials and employees to exemplify and practice integrity and honesty in service.

“I know that our responsibility mandated by the Constitution is not easy. Still, we should continue to practice integrity and honesty in service,” she said.

Sereno’s unity call came amid a controversy over a temporary restraining order she issued stopping the Commission on Elections from proclaiming partylist winners.

The high court, in a special en banc session, issued a status quo ante order against Comelec that stopped them from implementing the order disqualifying a senior citizens partylist group. The order superseded the TRO issued by Sereno.

During the celebration, the Court of Appeals also submitted its Annual report for 2012 led by Presiding Justice Andres Reyes.

Five Justice joined Sereno during the anniversary program—Associate Justices Estella Perlas-Bernabe, Marvic Leonen, Bienvenido Reyes, Mariano Del Castillo and Jose Perez.