SC leaves chief justice 'seat' vacant on website

MANILA, Philippines — On Friday, the Supreme Court website has removed former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno in its list of incumbent justices, despite a pending appeal challenging the ruling the removed her from the high tribunal.

The post for the chief justice position is left vacant on the SC’s official website, as of last accessing to the website on June 8, 6:00 p.m.

Just three days ago, the SC en banc ordered the Office of Solicitor General to comment on Sereno’s motion for reconsideration on the quo warranto—a move welcomed by Sereno’s camp as a chance for the justices to "set aside personal animosity and rule only according to what is right.”

On May 11, the high tribunal granted Solicitor General's Jose Calida quo warranto petition against Sereno. Eight justices voted to remove Sereno as the chief justice.

The dispositive portion of the ruling read: "The position of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is declared vacant and the Judicial and Bar Council is directed to commence the application and nomination process."

The landmark decision reaped strong criticism from lawmakers, legal academe and community, and several groups for being against what allowing the ouster of an impeachable officer as held by the Constitution.

But the Judicial and Bar Council has held off its call for nominations and applications on the next head of the judiciary, pending the finality of the quo warranto ruling.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, an ex-officio member of the JBC, said last May that the council “will open nominations/applications once the vacancy becomes permanent.”

Under the Rules of Court, the losing party can appeal a ruling within 15 days from the receipt of the order.

Should the motion for reconsideration be denied, the ruling will be deemed final. Entry of judgment will follow.

Court insiders said that the SC may issue a ruling on Sereno’s motion for reconsideration on June 19.

The SC is also celebrating its 117th Anniversary on Friday, with the theme "Isang Lahi, Isand Diwa, Isang Hudikatura."

The Supreme Court celebrates its 117th anniversary today with the theme Isang Lahi, Isang Diwa, Isang Hudikatura pic.twitter.com/EcMtT2d9I6

— Supreme Court PIO (@SCPh_PIO) June 8, 2018