SURROUNDED by white-clad supporters, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno said she would not resign, rejecting calls by judges and court workers for her to make the “supreme sacrifice.”

Supreme Court magistrates, judges and court employees gather for the flag ceremony at the Supreme Court on Monday during which a manifesto was read asking Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno to resign.

“Hangga’t ako ay may lakas, sa awa ng Diyos, lalabanan ko ito (While I have the strength, with God’s help, I will fight this),” she said,

About a hundred of Sereno’s white-clad supporters, mostly members of the multi-sector group Coalition for Justice, read manifestos urging her to continue fighting for judicial independence.

“We call on her to fulfill her mandate in truth, righteousness, and justice. Chief Justice Sereno, do not resign,” the group said.

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‘Not forced to sign’

The statement calling for Sereno’s resignation was signed by the Philippine Judges Association President and Marikina Regional Trial Court Judge Felix Reyes, officials of the Supreme Court Assembly of Lawyer Employees, the Philippine Association of Court Employees and the Sandiganbayan Employees Association.

“The Court can no longer endure a prolonged environment of this kind. Its officials and personnel, truly dedicated and conscientious public servants, cannot go through another set of hearings and go against each other again in the Senate,” the statement said.

Lawyer Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon filed the impeachment complaint on August 30, pointing to Sereno’s alleged failure to file her SALNs, along with inaccuracies in tax declarations and unauthorized expenses and appointments.

Last week, the House justice committee also found probable cause to impeach the chief justice, voting 38-2.

Nine associate justices joined the flag ceremony: Noel Tijam, Samuel Martires, Francis Jardeleza, Mariano del Castillo, Lucas Bersamin, Diosdado Peralta, Teresita de Castro, Presbitero Velasco Jr. and Antonio Carpio.

Ocson said there was no truth to newspaper reports that they were forced to sign the manifesto calling for Sereno to resign.

Reyes, the Marikina judge, told The Manila Times it was time for Sereno to “let go” and save the judiciary from humiliation.

“Ang away ay sa loob ng bahay (The fight is in the home). If the difference between the husband and wife is irreconcilable, the best is to part ways. Sereno should resign,” Reyes said.

with JOMAR CANLAS