Sereno ends indefinite leave, returns to work at Supreme Court

May 9, 2018

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Wednesday ended her indefinite leave  and assumed her post two days before the Supreme Court holds its special en banc session Friday to resolve the quo warranto petition against her.

Sereno’s spokesperson, Carlo Cruz, said she decided to return to the SC after completing her preparation for her legal defenses for her looming impeachment trial before the Senate.

“Now that the purpose of her leave of absence has been served, the Chief Justice will resume performing her constitutional mandate and discharging her responsibilities as head of the Judiciary. Her return to her office is in full consonance with our Constitution,” Cruz said in an interview.

Cruz said Sereno will preside over the special en banc session on Friday, but she will leave when the magistrates start deliberating on the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida that seeks her removal from office.

Another Sereno spokesman, lawyer Jojo Lacanilao, revealed that the top magistrate arrived around 7:30 am at the Supreme Court to resume her duties.

In a resolution on March 1, the Supreme Court said Sereno will go on indefinite leave and appointed  Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio as acting chief justice.

According to Cruz,  Carpio has been informed about Sereno’s return to her post.

“Resignation has never been an option. She will not resign. She is fighting for what she has always maintained as the right thing. She is fighting for the truth and for the constitution,” Cruz emphasized.

Earlier Wednesday, Supreme Court spokesman Theodore Te announced the court will hold a special session on Friday.

“As per Acting Chief Justice Antonio T. Carpio, the Court en banc will hold a Special En Banc session on May 11, 2018 at 10:00 in the morning. Further advise will be given on that day as to whether there will be a media briefing thereafter,” the advisory read. DMS