SC defers vote on Sereno motion for reconsideration, asks Calida to comment

June 5, 2018

The Supreme Court during its en banc session on Tuesday deferred voting on a motion for reconsideration filed by its former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and ordered Solicitor General Jose Calida to comment on the appeal.

“The Court directed the Solicitor General comment on respondent’s ad cautelam motion for reconsideration within a non-extendible period of five days from notice,” an SC resolution stated.

After Calida submits its comment, the SC is expected to resolve Sereno’s appeal within this month, upon the return of its ponente, Associate Justice Noel Tijam from his sabbatical leave.

In her motion for reconsideration submitted last week, Sereno insisted that high court has no jurisdiction to hear and resolve the quo warranto petition filed by Calida, which sought the nullification of her appointment as chief justice.

Being an impeachable officer, according to her, she can only be removed through impeachment proceedings by the Senate acting as the impeachment.

The SC, voting on Calida's quo warranto petition, on May 11 removed Sereno from office. DMS