SC reprimands Sereno

Sereno failed to submit her complete SALN as UP professor.

The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday dealt ousted chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno a veritable slap on the wrist over sub judice statements she made during the quo warranto proceedings against her.

The High Court merely reprimanded Sereno for discussing the merits of her case in public and before the media and for accusing several magistrates of patent bias against her.

Following her ouster and with the SC asking her to explain why she should not be penalized for making statements that could have influenced public opinion, some quarters demanded that she be disbarred.

“The Court, acting on the show cause order in its May 11, 2018 Decision, reprimanded respondent with a stern warning that a repetition of the same acts will merit a heavier penalty,” Te said as he read the ruling.

Asked for comment, Sereno’s lawyer and spokesman Jojo Lacanilao said they have yet to receive a copy of the resolution.

“CJ Sereno is reserving her comments until she sees the resolution,” he said in a text message sent to reporters.

The SC, voting 8-6, already denied with finality the motion for reconsideration filed by Sereno against her removal.

Those who voted against Sereno were Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Francis Jardeleza, Samuel Martires, Andres Reyes Jr., Alexander Gesmundo and Noel Tijam.

The dissenters were Carpio, Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco, Mariano Del Castillo, Estela Perlas-Bernabe, Marvic Leonen and Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.

The SC gave weight to the assertion of the OSG that Sereno failed to submit her statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) completely as a law professor at the University of the Philippines.

As such, Sereno did not have the required integrity when she was appointed to become an associate justice and then CJ.