(Eagle News) – Stop interfering.
Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno had this to say to politicians who she claimed were “harassing” her and therefore encroaching in judicial independence.
In a speech at the Panpacific University in Pangasinan on Friday, March 9, Sereno, wearing an all-black outfit, even appeared to liken herself to Captain America in the movie “The Avengers: Civil War,” to the protagonists of “Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” and to the main character in the 1992 American film “A Few Good Men.”
She said Captain America disapproved of submitting to the United Nations in order to fight for what he believed was the truth, while the protagonists in the Lord of the Rings movie worked together to fight what she said was the growing power of evil forces and hatred.
As for the main character in “A Few Good Men,” she said he had to face difficulties to uphold truth and justice.
“Sama-sama tayo. Sa harap ng panggigipit at ng paghihiganti at ng galit na wala namang katuturan,” Sereno said.
Truth and lies
Without mentioning names, she also cited a character in the movie “A Few Good Men” who ordered the death of his subordinate.
“Mantakin niyo po isang tao inisip niya siya lang ang may alam ng katotohanan. At gagawa siya ng ilegal para lamang desisyonan kung sino ang buhay at kung sino ang hindi mabubuhay sa mga nasa puder niya. Kinuha niya sa sarili niya ang kapangyarihan ng Panginoong Diyos,” Sereno said.
“If we allow the future where truth is being peddled as lies, and lies are being fed as truth, then what kind of future do we have? Wala tayong integrity as a nation, wala tayong dignity, walang respeto ang ibang bansa sa atin, walang respeto ang mga dayuhan sa atin. Kasi tayo ay bansa ng mga namimilipit ng katotohanan,” she added.
Sereno has been on indefinite leave since last week.
Voting 38-2, the House justice panel found probable cause to impeach her.
Rep. Reynaldo Umali, panel chair, said a hearing was slated on Wednesday.
He said during the hearing, the panel would tackle the committee report and the Articles of Impeachment that will be voted on by the plenary.
If a one third vote of the entire House is achieved, the chamber would transmit the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate, which will convene as an impeachment court.
A quo warranto petition that seeks to have her appointment as Chief Justice nullified has also been filed against Sereno.
