De Castro slams Sereno for talking about quo warranto case in speech

MANILA, Philippines — Tension arose between Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and Associate Justice Teresita de Castro Thursday after the country’s top magistrate discussed her quo warranto case in an event for women judges.

Right after Sereno’s speech, De Castro proceeded to speak on the podium, disapproving the action of the chief justice during the 30th anniversary of the Philippine Women Judges Association.

“I’m very sorry that the chief justice has taken this opportunity to discuss a matter which is sub judice,” De Castro said, earning applause from the crowd.

She added: We have given her all the courtesy and I sincerely hope that she should not have dealt with the matter which is pending in the court.”

In her speech, Sereno, who has gone on an indefinite leave since March 1, maintained that she will not yield to any moves to oust her.

“Let me tell you why I fight and why I must continue to fight: my life is not freely given to me to indulge myself in selfish pursuits. My life is required to be given for the service of others, for the service of my country and until that call to service is ended, I cannot yield,” she said.

The embattled chief justice added: “I am fighting for our future as a freedom loving nation. I am fighting for our honor as apostles of the rule of law. And because it’s a fight that is worthy of all that I have, I will not throw in the towel.”

She also urged the women judges to fight for judicial independence “fiercely, if need be.”

“Kaliwa’t-kanang reklamo, kaso at pam-bu-bully ng kung sino sino lalo ng mga politiko. Wala pong kinaiba ang aking sitwasyon sa sitwasyon ng mga huwes na gusto lamang maging malayang sundin ng kanilang konsensya,” Sereno said.

She, moreover, reiterated that she will have her day at the Senate impeachment court.

“That is why I must fight to have my day at the Senate impeachment court. This fight is a fight for judicial independence, for the right of every member of the court to confront her accuser face to face in a trial type proceeding where all allegations can be challenged and all lies can be unmasked,” Sereno said.

READ: House panel votes to move Sereno impeachment to plenary

Voting 38-2, the House of Representatives justice panel also on Thursday declared it has found probable cause to impeach Sereno.

The justice committee voted that the chief justice should be impeached from her post after 15 hearings that spanned months.

Sereno is also facing a petition for quo warranto proceeding at the Supreme Court. Solicitor General Jose Calida urged the high court to declare Sereno’s appointment as chief justice as void and oust her.

READ: Calida questions Sereno's appointment as chief justice before SC