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| Photo file from Philstar (ctto) |
Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes, Jr. claimed
that Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has threatened him to end his career
for helping the current administration to oust her from position.
According to Reyes, Sereno threatened him for planning a
courtesy call on President Rodrigo Duterte.
Reyes made the testimony on Monday during the hearing on the
impeachment complaint trial against the chief justice facilitated by the House
Committee on Justice.
He shared the experience when he was still the presiding
justice of the Court of Appeals and he and his colleagues were planning to pay
a courtesy call on the president to tackle important issues. Reyes confronted
Sereno but was warned that his move would have a huge consequence and might be
the end of his career.
“She said this might be the end of your career. She told me
that the President was too talkative and that we (those who are paying him
courtesy) won’t be able to say our piece anymore,” Reyes said addressing the
lawmakers.
“She said that my letter [seeking a courtesy call with the
President]was insulting to her because I made it appear as if the Supreme Court
is doing nothing to address the concerns of the judiciary. She said I bypassed
her by [planning to]taking up matters with the President. I apologized to her
for my letter,” Reyes also said.
According to Reyes, Sereno even made him write an
explanation letter as to why he was seeking for a courtesy call with the
president. Aside from that, he was also asked to write a letter of apology.
He then decided to cancel the request for a meeting, and
just ignored Sereno’s request.
Reyes on the other hand clarified that he was not harboring
any ill feelings toward the Chief Justice.
“I have already forgiven her for her utterances,” Reyes
said.
Source: Manila Times
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