Steadfast, Unmoved, Uncompromising
The impeachment threat and a quo warranto case against Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno is part of a deeply alarming trend, where perceived enemies of the Duterte administration are subjected to a witch hunt. Those who express dissent or get in the way of the Duterte administration, including no less than country’s highest judicial officer, are being intimidated, bullied, and threatened. But as she herself has shown, Filipinos should not back down and cower in a corner. Instead, we must fight for our human rights, for justice, and the rule of law.
It is unfortunate that she is being persecuted precisely because she is doing a good job as Chief Justice. The most recent case against her is clearly unconstitutional, because the only way to remove a sitting Chief Justice from her position is by impeachment. Simply on the basis of Article XI, the quo warranto case should be dismissed. Sadly, the Supreme Court Justices ordered her to file a reply, making it appear that the quo warranto case has basis. Whatever the outcome of the case may be, we hope that it would be reached through a careful consideration of facts and in accordance with the law, as it might set a dangerous legal precedence.
IDEALS, Inc. stands with the Chief Justice in this fight.
She has been a staunch advocate of justice and the “golden standard” in public service in the face of her adversaries. She has boldly introduced innovation in the Courts to advance its development, and to strengthen adherence to the legal process. She is a shining beacon and a brave stalwart of the Judiciary. She stands steadfast, unmoved, and uncompromising in upholding what is right and just.
In the wise words of the Chief Justice, “[We] must act on the core principle that the law is not merely a set of convenient formulae to solve specific problems; it is an overarching framework that embodies our people’s aspirations toward justice.” The law is not only for lawyers to appreciate, but for all to uphold as the representation of our ideal concept of justice.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the contribution of women in nation-building. It is but fitting and timely to give recognition to Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno for being an icon of courage and an inspiration not only to Filipino women, but to Filipino society in general.
As we celebrate today, let us join the Chief Justice in her primary advocacy: to achieve justice through the rule of law. We express our steadfast support to Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, especially during these trying times.
We believe that in the end, what is right and what is just will ultimately prevail.
#StandWithCJ #InternationalWomensDay