During a press conference earlier today, the Malacañang Palace called on the country’s Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno to resign to “spare the judiciary” from further damage.
According to new Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, it would be better for Sereno to step down, saying it would be damaging for the judiciary if its highest magistrate will be ousted through impeachment.
READ: Philippines’ House panel finds impeachment complaint ‘sufficient’ vs chief justice
“I call upon Chief Justice Sereno to really consider resigning if only to spare the institution from further damage,” Roque told reporters.
“I don’t think the judiciary can survive another decision to remove another sitting chief justice,” he added.
Roque was referring to the impeachment of late Chief Justice Renato Corona.
Corona was found guilty by the House of Representatives in 2011, and by the Senate in 2012, for failing to fully disclose his wealth.
Sereno is facing an impeachment case over similar allegations, that she’s is allegedly under-declaring her wealth, on top of ot accusations that she’s “mismanaging” the affairs of the high court.
Asked whether his call for Sereno to resign reflects the sentiment of President Rodrigo Duterte, Roque said “of course.”
Roque, an outgoing member of the House of Representatives, said he believes there is “convincing evidence.”
with reports from ABS-CBN News
