Malacañang on Tuesday dismissed criticisms against new Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, describing the same as “irrelevant” and that critics should just “have to deal” with the country’s top judge following her appointment.
“I think those attacks are really water under the bridge. The appointment has already been made. She has taken her oath and whether it's coming from the judiciary or not, they have to deal with the new Chief Justice,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in Naga City, where the requiem Mass and state funeral for the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo were conducted.
“So I think any criticisms against the Chief Justice are, for all for all intents and purposes, irrelevant. It's not going to sway anyone from removing her from the position of chief justice,” he added.
One of the attacks against Sereno is the supposed low score of her psychological exam required by the Judicial and Bar Council, which has called into question Sereno’s capabilities as the country’s top judge as a result.
Based on a report by the Manila Times last week, Sereno, along with Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza, got the lowest psychological rating.
Malacañang has since branded as unverified that particular report.
Sereno is also facing criticism from Hacienda Luisita farmers, who fear the Supreme Court under her leadership may reverse the November 22, 2011 decision ordering the total distribution of large Tarlac estate’s lands to farmers-beneficiaries.
Hacienda Luisita is owned by the prominent Cojuangco family, related to President Benigno Aquino III. Sereno is one of three Aquino appointees in the high court.
Lacierda said it will now be up to the Supreme Court’s Public Information Office (PIO) to speak on Sereno’s behalf regarding future criticism against her, as the executive branch has already done its part.
“We've done our part, the Executive branch through the President has done our part so we leave it now with the Supreme Court to speak on behalf of the new Chief Justice,” he said.
However, he said Sereno’s opponents could find other things to do rather than criticize.
“I think the critics would have a better way of channeling their frustration instead of criticizing anonymously Chief Justice Sereno,” Lacierda said. “The best thing they can do is to work towards helping Chief Justice Sereno implement the reforms that are badly needed in the judiciary.”
He also said Sereno should be given a chance to show what she is capable of.
“Looking forward we are going to see reforms being implemented in the judiciary so like I said, let's give Chief Justice Sereno a chance to prove herself,” Lacierda said, noting that the length of time Sereno will be the top judge will be “sufficient” for reforms to “take root.”
Aquino appointed Sereno as the country’s first female chief justice on August 24.
