MANILA – The Supreme Court could decide on the quo warranto petition filed against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno within weeks at the earliest.
By April 24 at the earliest and June at the latest, a high court source told Panay News when asked when the magistrates could release a ruling.
“The justices will attempt to make a decision by April 24 [at] the earliest since Sereno and (Solicitor General Jose) Calida were ordered to file their memorandum on or before April 20,” the source said.
“However, the latest that we can decide on the quo warranto is by June,” added the source. “The justices will not release any verdict in May since that is decision-writing month.”
Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio on Tuesday has directed Sereno (currently on leave) and 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 initiated the quo warranto petition against Sereno as he questioned her appointment to the top judiciary post.
Aside from this, Sereno was currently facing impeachment proceedings at the House of Representatives.
The House Committee on Justice found probable cause to impeach Sereno. It has prepared six Articles of Impeachment.
Sereno has been accused of culpable violation of the Constitution, corruption, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.
Before Congress adjourned on March 21, the House Committee on Rules referred the justice committee report and the Articles of Impeachment for plenary consideration.
A vote from at least one-third of all House members is needed to approve the Articles of Impeachment and their transmittal to the Senate, which will sit as an impeachment court./PN
