Finally, she has spoken.After weeks of silence in the midst of President Rodrigo Duterte’s tireless rants about the Supreme Court (SC) and herself, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno finally said what’s on her mind.Without directly addressing Duterte’s statements, Sereno explained how the judiciary and executive branches of the government should be working together."SC needs to have a good relationship with Executive Department. We need to have very good relationships with the executive, regardless of the administration," Sereno said in a press conference on Aug 25.As we were taught back in elementary school, the executive, legislative and judiciary branches are equal to one another, so they can act independently within the bounds of the Constitution.Sereno emphasizes, "It's a bright red line you must not cross. I hope the people will support the judiciary's bid to independence.”The Chief Justice also explained why she has kept her “dignified silence” for so long.CNN Philippines quoted her saying, "The moment you allow judges to speak… you will be eroding the allowed professional distance… Hindi po kailangan madaldal ang hudikatura.”(The judiciary need not be talkative.)May we all be like our Chief Justice: dignified, tactful, and professional.
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