Sereno renews call for unity in SC

MANILA, Philippines - Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno has renewed her call for unity in the Supreme Court (SC) after the justices superseded, again, an order she had issued.

Sereno, who recently figured in a clash of opinions with Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, made the call as she led the judiciary in celebrating its 112th founding anniversary yesterday.

Only five of the 14 magistrates – Associate Justices Mariano del Castillo, Jose Perez, Bienvenido Reyes, Estela Perlas-Bernabe and Marvic Leonen – attended the event.

It was the first time that Sereno led the anniversary rites in the SC since she was appointed to the top judicial post by President Aquino in August last year.

“It is important for us to unite and to be together in facing the challenges that lie ahead in the future,” she said.

“We all expect that if we unite and think of ways to improve our services, then our families and personal lives will improve for the benefit of everyone,” she added.

The SC also posted on its website a video message of Sereno where she made the same appeal.

“In the years to come, may we not forget that there is no challenge we will not overcome if we’re together and united,” she said in Filipino.

She reported to court employees her accomplishments, including reforms in the resolution of criminal cases.

“We are here working not for ourselves but for the inmates in Bilibid who already deserve to be released from prison after a very long time of incarceration, and also for the litigants whose lives are put on hold pending reforms in the judicial system,” the Chief Justice said.

Sereno said the SC under her watch is also addressing the needs of retired judges and court employees.

 â€œWe are taking care of them out of genuine service and to also recognize their unwavering service to our nation.”

The Chief Justice reiterated her vision for her 18-year term in the judiciary.

“Time will come that employment of choice in the Philippines is the judiciary. We will set a gold standard, an example of dedicated, sacrificial and loving service to our country,” she said.

Sereno’s statements came a week after the temporary restraining order she issued for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to cease and desist from further proclaiming party-list winners was superseded by a status quo ante order collegially issued by the high court.

The SC did not confirm Sereno’s TRO after Justice de Castro clarified that she only recommended the issuance of a TRO in favor of petitioner Senior Citizens party-list, which was disqualified by Comelec days before the elections.