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Following the installation of Maria Lourdes Punzalan Aranal-Sereno as the 24th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines (reports say she has a Boholano blood), the very first woman to be appointed of the highest position in the judicial magistrate, there have been mixed reactions among lawyers, government officials, and even ordinary citizens.
For Department of Justice (DOJ) Sec. Leila de Lima, Sereno could make a difference in the judiciary.
“Sereno’s youth, dynamism and brilliance would ensure that the country can look forward to a judiciary that would be worthy of the people’s trust,” de Lima was quoted as saying in an interview.
For former Solicitor General Francisco Chavez, the appointment of Sereno will signal an “addition to healing the wounds of the institution and bringing together the pro-Corona and pro-Carpio factions inside the SC."
According to PNP Chief Nicanor Bartolome: "Justice Sereno has a shining career of judicial competence and honest public service behind her that will undoubtedly steer the judiciary to greater heights in the service of the people."
In a statement, House Speaker Feliciano Bemonte, Jr. said of Sereno: “Associate Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno is a good choice. A new face yet an insider with a reputation competence and independence. She will prove to be an effective leader of the Judiciary.”
Sereno was the first appointed associate justice of the Supreme Court by Pres. Noynoy Aquino. It was natural then to expect that the President would choose someone he feels close to his heart.
If seniority were the basis of selection, Justice Carpio was supposed to be the most qualified person to succeed as the next Chief Justice. But there were other factors being considered during the selection process. And the President has the last say.
Sereno, on the other hand, is considered young to be appointed Chief Justice at the age of 52. Will she be mature enough to handle the affairs of the judiciary? Is she ready to dispense her duties and responsibilities without encountering opposition from within the system?
Because if Sereno would fail to meet expectations, let’s hope this country won’t repeat history. That would be unthinkable as of this moment.
It is normal that there are doubters and haters who do not like the appointment of Sereno. We live in a highly politicized environment where every action has to be questioned by anyone. Even the Roman Catholic Church has its own selective mechanism when to touch government policy and laws enacted by political officials.
Regardless what people say, Sereno is here to stay for the next two decades.
If Aquino had made the right decision, this country can expect a reformed judiciary that is true to its mission and vision.
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