Maria Lourdes Sereno was removed from the post of Chief Justice (Photo: Getty Images) Hanoi (VNA) – The Philippine Supreme Court voted on May 11 toremove its Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.
The court’s spokesman Theodore Te told reporters that Sereno is founddisqualified from and hereby adjudged guilty of unlawfully holding andexercising the office of the chief justice.
The decision is immediately executory without need of further actionfrom the court, Te said, adding that the vote was 8-6 against Sereno.
The Supreme Court’s case against Sereno alleged she failed to filestatements of assets and liabilities in previous years - accusations shecategorically denied.
The Philippine President’s spokesman Harry Roque said the Supreme Courtissued a final decision and it must be respected.
Sereno, 57, became the country's first female chief justice in 2012under the administration of President Benigno Aquino. She is one of several high-profilecritics who have found themselves targeted after speaking out against thepresident.
Solicitor General Jose Calida filed the quo warranto petition before theSupreme Court to seek the removal of Sereno by questioning the validity of herappointment on the basis of her alleged failure to fully disclose her personalwealth.
However, Sereno has insisted the only way she can be removed from officeis through impeachment as provided for by the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
Sereno’s lawyer said she would appeal against the Supreme Court’sdecision.-VNA
VNA
