Sereno refuses to quit as chief justice: spokesperson

October 2, 2017

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has turned down President Rdrigo Duterte's challenge for her to resign with him, her spokesperson said on Monday.

“The Chief Justice will not resign because she has done nothing unlawful, illegal and impeachable,” lawyer Josa Deinla said, in an interview.

"What she wants is to continue performing her duties as chief justice of Supreme Court," Deinla added.

Sereno's camp issued the statement after Duterte's call for her and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales to resign with him in his speech during the oath-taking of new members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in Davao last Saturday.

"I now challenge Carpio to resign with me and the Supreme Court Chief Justice," Duterte said.

Duterte accused the chief justice of being corrupt, while he accused the Ombudsman of employing selective justice.

It was the second time Sereno rejected a call for her resignation. Sereno is facing impeachment charges at the House of Representatives.

Sereno is on a month-long wellness leave from the high court. She will report to work on Oct.23. DMS