From 'serena' to Sereno

Like many young Filipinos in the early ’70s, Johnny Sison migrated to the United States after studying at the Ateneo and De La Salle. He worked in the US, living all over the place from East to West. But after 40 years, Johnny decided it was time for him to come home and retire in the country of his birth. There was no real plan to come back. After all, life in a first world country is totally different from a developing nation like ours, but the tug to come back to the Philippines had always been there, feeling that this will always be his home no matter what negative news he had been hearing.

After finally deciding to come back two years ago, Johnny found himself invited to the inauguration of then newly-elected president Benigno Simeon Aquino III. Johnny has never forgotten what he heard the young president-elect said in his speech that day: “Wala ng wang-wang” and “Kayo ang boss ko.” English translation: No more “serena” (police siren) and “You are my bosses.”

To Johnny, this was a rather unorthodox promise, unbelievable to hear for an inaugural speech — surprised that somebody would even think about it. He even thought it was just another rhetoric typically coming from an overpromising politician. After all, the “serena” is symbolic of inequality, arrogance, privilege — things available to those with money and power who can run roughshod over ordinary citizens. Today, Johnny is impressed: There is hardly any “serena” in the streets.

The appointment of Ma. Lourdes Sereno as Supreme Court Chief Justice was another surprise to many — including Johnny who did not expect the youngest SC member to get the nod of the president. A friend, lawyer Rico Agcaoili, admitted that he was quite ambivalent about the appointment of Sereno as chief magistrate. After all, the tradition is to appoint the most senior member as Chief Justice. Rico is very familiar with the justice system having been in the legal profession for over three decades and was past president of the Philippine Bar Association — the oldest association of lawyers in the country — and knows very well the overriding need to make people believe in our justice system.

Recent controversies involving members of the Judiciary has fanned the flames of skepticism among Filipinos who perceive justice to be an elusive concept, its scales tilted to favor only the wealthy who have the money to pay for justice. That’s probably the reason why many do not exactly know what to expect from the new Chief Justice who this early is saddled with accusations that she was chosen to make sure that the highest court will toe the line of the President. Sereno’s supporters however vouch for the new chief magistrate’s probity and independence, saying she has what it takes to deliver the reforms people expect from the Judiciary.

No question Sereno’s leadership will be tested, with people watching closely how she will steer a Supreme Court whose members perceive her to be inexperienced. But judging from her recent actions — declining interviews to bring back the institution’s “dignified silence” and releasing her statement of assets, liabilities and net worth — it seems Sereno is setting the tone through “leadership by example.”

It’s time for the Palace to “let go.” No need to defend CJ Sereno — she can defend herself. Now that the appointment has been made, the Palace should start distancing itself to make it clear that the Executive branch does not infringe on the Judiciary’s independence.

I saw Johnny Sison again the other day, and he said he was impressed by the “out-of-the-box” kind of thinking exhibited by the President when he did away with tradition by appointing the youngest Supreme Court member. By that act, the President signaled that he will do what he believes is right regardless of political pressure. Eighteen years is a long time for a bad Chief Justice, but a good one can ensure the continuity of the anti-corruption reform P-Noy has initiated, long after the President’s term is over.

In the last two years since President Aquino was elected, the image of the Philippines has dramatically changed — a perception confirmed by businessman and Alaska president Fred Uytengsu who travels extensively in many parts of the world. Business wise, investors are looking more closely at the Philippines, their interest “tickled” by the current administration’s anti-corruption drive and the focus on good governance according to Moody’s Investors Services, which also raised the country’s credit rating recently. In fact, the Philippines exceeded analysts’ expectations with the recent GDP growth of 5.9 percent — making the economy one of the most resilient in the region.

Critics may not agree, but positive inroads have been made in the last two years — a sentiment shared by most foreign investors. But they clearly point out that in the case of former Chief Justice Renato Corona and former president Gloria Arroyo, the government should now let the justice system take its course. Already there is a growing perception of vindictiveness. Cases have been filed and no one should be adjudged guilty unless otherwise proven.

A majority of Filipinos want to see this country take the straight road long after P-Noy’s term is over, and they certainly would hate to see the country do a U-turn. The fear of course is that if institutional reforms are not made, the wrong president could easily reverse all the gains.

But what is really necessary is for Filipinos to go beyond the “ako muna” attitude and apply — in paraphrase — what Manuel Quezon said: “Our loyalty to ourselves must end where our loyalty to our country begins.”  

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