Spat among justices best left to be dealt on their own, Sereno says

MANILA, Philippines — Dispute among justices are best left to be dealt within the bench, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes said on Friday.

Asked on the seemingly lack of support from her colleagues, Sereno replied: "In any organization, there would be occasions when these kinds of problems will arise, but I'm sure when the dust settles, we will all come around. again."

"We are best left to settle internal administrative problems on our own," the chief justice added.

Sereno also dismissed the reported spat as a "common phenomenon," adding that many institutions in the country experienced shake-ups.

She added that as a chief justice, "who some may not like," the Supreme Court has "prodded along and produced a lot of good work."

On Thursday, Sereno and other magistrates of the high court attended an event of the Philippine Women's Judges Association.

Tension arose in the event when, following Sereno's speech, Associate Justice Teresita de Castro chided her for violating the sub judice rule when she spoke about the pending quo warranto case against her before the SC.

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

De Castro was among the justices who also appeared at the House of Representatives' hearing as resource speakers. The appearance of the justices was a rare instance as their voices are commonly heard through the decisions they write.

Observers pointed out that it appears there are cracks among the 15 justices of the high court.

READ: At Sereno impeachment hearing, divisions among justices go on full display

De Castro cried injustice when Sereno was appointed as chief justice, citing that the former failed to comply with one of the requirements of the Judicial and Bar Council. She also aired grievances over Sereno's leadership over the SC.

READ: Magistrates say Sereno's inclusion on chief justice shortlist an 'injustice'

Another alarming instance among high court, groups cited, is when thirteen justices issued a statement, clarifying that they reached a "consensus" asking the chief magistrate to take an indefinite leave.

The National Union of Peoples' Lawyers said that the public trust in the institution will bear the brunt of the apparent spat among the justices being in full display.

READ: NUPL: Public trust the real loser in reported Supreme Court spat

Aside from an impeachment case, Sereno is also facing a petition challenging the legality of her appointment as chief justice before the SC.