MANILA – The Supreme Court will be coming out with its decision on the quo warranto petition filed against Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno earlier than expected.
A source said instead of May 17, the justices will be ruling on the petition filed by the Office of Solicitor General (OSG) on May 11.
“The Supreme Court has set an earlier date,” said the source. “It will coincide with the submission of concurring and dissenting opinions of the justices.”
Acting Supreme Court Chief Justice Antonio Carpio previously directed Sereno and OSG Jose Calida to submit their respective memorandums on or before April 20.
A memorandum contains a summary of arguments, which may include additional claims that will bolster the parties’ positions.
Calida claimed the country’s Chief Justice is not qualified to hold her position.
He also said the quo warranto petition could even be considered by Sereno as “an act of kindness to a fellow lawyer” since it would spare her from the “indignity” of an impeachment.
A quo warranto proceeding is initiated by the government to remove an unqualified official from his or her position as stated under Rule 66 of the Rules of Court.
The House Committee on Justice chaired by Reynaldo Umali has found probable cause on the impeachment complaint against Sereno. Six articles of impeachment have also been prepared against her.
Among the grounds for the possible impeachment of the Chief Magistrate are culpable violation of the Constitution, corruption, betrayal of public trust and other high crimes.
Sereno is currently on an indefinite leave as SC Chief Justice./PN
