Sereno’s lawyer says low ratings won’t sidetrack chief justice from judicial reforms

December 28, 2017

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno obtained the lowest satisfaction rating among the top five officials in a Social Weather Stations survey released on Wednesday.

Sereno got a neutral rating of plus 6 compared to Vice President Leni Robredo (62 percent), Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III (38 percent) and Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (34 percent).

The survey period December 8-16 came as Sereno is facing an impeachment complaint at the House of Representatives.

Sereno’s lawyer Josa Deinla said the latest survey won’t sidetrack the chief justice from implementing  necessary reforms in the judiciary and strengthening the rule of law.

Deinla even welcomed it as a positive sign for Sereno.

"Despite a well-orchestrated campaign to malign her and soil her integrity through baseless and malicious allegations, Chief Justice Sereno’s net satisfaction rating has stayed 'neutral' and relatively unscathed," Deinla said in a statement.

“She remains focused on her responsibilities to further improve the country’s justice system and strengthen the rule of law. The impeachment has not interfered with the fundamental reforms such as court decongestion, continuous trial, automated hearings and the expansion of electronic courts. The Chief Justice is determined to make the Supreme Court responsive to the needs of the people,” Deinla said.

Sereno is accused of culpable violation of the Constitution, corruption, other high crimes and betrayal of public trust.

The House Committee on Justice voted to declare that there was sufficient ground to proceed with the impeachment proceedings filed by lawyer Larry Gadon. DMS