LP warns of ‘constitutional crisis’ in quo warranto case vs Sereno

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES

The Supreme Court (SC) was courting a “constitutional crisis” when it considered the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno,  the Liberal Party (LP) said on Thursday.

Calida earlier filed a petition with the SC to remove Sereno as Chief Justice through a quo warranto proceeding for failing to submit the complete requirements when she applied for the top judicial post.

“The Supreme Court is courting a constitutional crisis by considering the quo warranto case against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno,” the LP said in a statement.

“The 1987 Constitution is very explicit that impeachment is the only means to remove a member of the Supreme Court. Doing it through any other means is unconstitutional,” it added.

READ: SC orders Sereno to comment on Calida’s quo warranto petition

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

Following an en banc session on Tuesday, March 6, the SC ordered Sereno to respond to Calida’s petition within a period of ten days from the receipt of notice.

But for the LP, the High Court “must show respect for the Constitution and a co-equal branch by allowing Congress to perform its constitutionally mandated duty.”

“We urge the Supreme Court Justices to adhere to the very Constitution that they are sworn to protect and abide by,” the party added. /je