Palace: Sereno’s return to work internal matter to SC

May 9, 2018

The decision of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno to return to work is "an internal matter to the Supreme Court", Malacanang said on Wednesday.

Sereno, who is facing a quo warranto petition and an impeachment complaint, reported back to work after she took an indefinite leave in March.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, in a statement, also did not want to comment on reports that the Supreme Court would come out with its decision on the quo warranto petition to declare null and void Serreno's appointment on Friday.

"The decision of Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno to end her indefinite leave and the reported ruling of the quo warranto petition against the Chief Justice are internal matters to the High Court," he said.

"The executive recognizes judicial independence and respects the separation of powers of the three branches of government, including a functioning judiciary," he added.

Serreno's impeachment complaint is still pending with the House of Representatives.

The House committee on justice found probable cause on the complaint against the chief magistrate for allegedly committing culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, corruption, and other high crimes. Celerina Monte/DMS