MANILA — Malacanang on Tuesday wished ousted Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno good luck as a private citizen.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this comment after the SC rejected Sereno’s motion for reconsideration to reverse its decision granting the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida against her appointment as chief magistrate.
“Tapos na ang pagiging Chief Justice ni Meilou Sereno. We wish her good luck in her everyday life as a private citizen,” Roque said in a press conference in Cotabato City.
Citing the court decision as final and executory, Roque appealed to the people to respect the decision of the highest court of the land.
“The Palace knew that many are not in favor of the decision but in our democratic system, Supreme Court is the final arbiter of all legal controversies,” Roque said.
“So like it or hate it, we have to succumb to the decision of the Supreme Court. That is now final and executory decision,” he added.
Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte will respect and will implement the SC’s ruling “because the President is the implementor of the law and the Supreme Court decisions”.
He said the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) will now start the selection process for the next SC chief justice.
“The President has to choose from a shortlist to be submitted by the JBC, the Judicial and Bar Council,” Roque said.
Roque said the President does not have any idea who will be included in the list. (Jelly Musico/PNA)
