Negros judges stay ‘neutral’ over Sereno resignation issue

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Negros Occidental judges are not joining in the call of a group of some court employees for Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno to resign from her post.

The Negros Occidental Regional Trial Court Judges Association (NORTCJA), in a statement issued after deliberation among its members and officers, declared: “We are and should be neutral.”

The judges said their priority is to keep the courts open to the people instead of being of the issues besetting the Supreme Court and its personnel. “We are not politicians. We do not have the luxury of publicly expressing our sentiments, unless prompted by the situation. This is one of those times our voices need not to be heard.”

Asking for sobriety and prudence, the NORTCJA also called on their fellow judges to remember their oath to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law; to be impartial and reserve judgment until all evidences have been presented; to be non-partisan and to let due process take its course. "We stand for an independent judiciary,” it said.

Sereno, who spoke yesterday to the students of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in Bacolod City, said she was elated of and very proud of Negros region judges.

The beleaguered chief justice declared once more that she will not resign, as she will not surrender to the challenge hurled against her.

“That is why I will fight it with all my might. And I asked the people to see this as “a fight for democracy, as a fight for judicial independence,” she said.

Sereno, insisting the absence of proof against her, said her detractors’ call for her resignation is not founded on reason, but only on convenience.

While some would not want to go through the normal constitutional process of impeachment, as they want peace, Sereno replied “what is peace, if there is no justice? Peace is not the answer of conflict, peace is the presence of justice.”

“That is why, when we are standing on a just cause, and when you know what you are speaking is the truth, and when you know your intention are clear and not mixed wth personal agenda, and only for the good of the country, then you must fight with all you might,” Sereno said.

She called on the youth to stand for their right, if being accused, stressing that the truth will surely come out, and lies will eventually crumble. “There is no room for cowards in this country, sa mga hindi hindi kayang lumaban sa pagsubok ng mundo,” Sereno added. (FREEMAN)