MANILA – Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Thursday said the Judiciary will do its part in anti-criminality efforts of the government by imposing sanctions on erring judges.
During her speech on annual Meet the Press at the Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, Manila, Sereno said the judiciary would discourage corruption within its ranks and prosecute and impose sanctions on erring judges as well as making sure that due process and respect for the rule of law is always adhered to.
“While it cannot prevent the entry, manufacture, sale, or use of drugs, and can neither gather intelligence, nor enforce the law, the court can provide justice. What it can provide is justice–to the State and the victims if there is enough evidence of guilt, and to the accused if there is none,” she said.
It would be recalled that the SC has already started its investigation on several active judges tagged by President Rodrigo Duterte as having links to illegal drugs operations in the country.
Sereno said the SC would also work with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies in cracking the whip against erring personnel, who were sometimes behind the ineffective and delayed execution of court orders and judgment as well as ensure the safety of judges, especially those handling controversial or high-profile cases.
“The Supreme Court will work with the new leadership of the Philippine National Police to ensure that all warrants of arrest are effected, especially against political warlords,” she added.
“I am alarmed by the situation of impunity in our country, wherein court processes are not effected by law enforcement agencies, especially in arresting suspects in the killing of journalists,” she said adding that the SC will work with law enforcement agencies, particularly the Philippine National Police to make sure that due process is respected and justice is done,” she added./PNA/RMA/CLTC