SC is ‘united’ – Associate Justice Abad

Supreme Court Associate Justice Roberto Abad on Monday emphasized that the Court was “united” in its work. 

 

Abad was trying to dispel speculations of a disunited SC given that the most senior justices have been a no-show for the Supreme Court’s flag-raising ceremony ever since Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno assumed her post. This absence fuels speculation that the magistrates resented Sereno's appointment over the more senior associate justices. 

 

“We are functioning normally, so I am not aware of any problem,” Abad told reporters on Monday at the sidelines of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines’ lecture on judicial affidavits.

 

He, however, immediately qualified, “But we are divided on our opinions when we decide on our cases. If we stay united sa lahat, [nakakatakot ‘yun]. The court should be thinking independently.”

  

Apart from Sereno, the only other justices present during the SC’s flag ceremonies were Associate Justices Mariano Del Castillo, Roberto Abad, Jose Perez, Jose Mendoza, Bienvenido Reyes and Estela Perlas Bernabe.

 

The most senior justices, Associate Justices Antonio Carpio, Presbitero Velasco Jr., Teresita Leonardo De Castro, Arturo Brion, Diosdado Peralta, and Lucas Bersamin. were never present during the rite. Associate Justice Martin Villarama had also absented himself during the flag ceremonies.

  

Sereno is the third most junior justice in the Supreme Court. She was appointed Chief Magistrate last August.

 

The 52-year-old Sereno may serve up to 18 years as the 24th Chief Justice of the republic. —  DVM, GMA News