13 SC justices sign statement saying Sereno took indefinite leave of absence

March 1, 2018

Thirteen associate justices of the Supreme Court (SC) declared that Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno had taken an indefinite leave of absence. In a statement read by SC spokesperson Theodore Te in a media briefing Thursday, it said after extended deliberation during last Tuesday’s en banc session, thirteen justices arrived at a consensus that Sereno  should take an indefinite leave. Other associate justices who signed the statement were Presbitero Velasco Jr., Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Mariano del Castillo, Estela Perlas Bernabe, Marvic Leonen, Francis Jardeleza, Samuel Martires, Noel Tijam, Andres Reyes and Alexander Segismundo. Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa did not take part as he was on leave. “Several reasons were mentioned by the various justices. After consulting with the two most senior justices, the Chief Justice herself announced that she was taking an indefinite leave, with the amendment that she start the leave on Thursday, March 1, 2018,” the SC said. “The Chief Justice did not request the rescheduling of her wellness leave,” the high court stressed. Sereno’s spokespersons had said she did not take an indefinite leave, but rather a “wellness leave” starting March 1 until March 15. “The Court En Banc regrets the confusion that the announcements and media releases of the spokespersons of the Chief Justice have caused, which seriously damaged the integrity of the Judiciary in general and the Supreme Court in particular,” the Court said. “In the ordinary course of events, the Court expected the Chief Justice to cause the announcement only of what was really agreed upon without any modification or embellishment. This matter shall be dealt with in a separate proceeding,” it said. To clear the air, “the Court En Banc considers Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno to be on an indefinite leave starting March 1, 2018,” the statement said, adding” Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio shall be the Acting Chief Justice.” “The Clerk of Court and the Office of the Administrator will be informed and ordered to inform all courts and offices accordingly,” the Court stressed. Carpio will also be acting chair of the Judicial and Bar Council and the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.