Roque: The President is not bullying Sereno

She has already done a “magnificent job in alienating her own colleagues,” he says

(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte is not bullying Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, the Palace said on Friday, noting that she has already “done a magnificent job in alienating her own colleagues.”

In an online interview, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said proof of this was that it was Sereno’s colleagues themselves “who say she does not deserve the post.”

“Hindi po ang Presidente. The President has been spared from doing that by her own colleagues,” Roque said.

The President has denied any hand in moves to oust Sereno, who may be facing an impeachment trial in the Senate after the House justice panel, voting 38-2, found probable cause to impeach her.

Rep. Reynaldo Umali, panel chair, said another hearing was slated on Wednesday.

During that hearing, he said the panel would tackle the committee report and the Articles of Impeachment that will be voted upon in the plenary.

If a one third vote of the entire House is achieved, the chamber will then send the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate, which will turn itself into an impeachment court.

A quo warranto petition that seeks to have Sereno’s appointment as Chief Justice nullified has also been filed before the SC.

Sereno is on indefinite leave.