"x x x.
Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno defended her appointment on Monday, saying it was God’s will, not politics that put her in that position.
“I assure you I will serve only you,”’ Sereno said when she faced officials and employees of the Supreme Court on her first flag ceremony as Chief Justice.
She also told the court officials and employees to focus on work, and not on rumors.
Likewise, Sereno assured that she will work hard to improve the judiciary, saying she was already excited to start instituting reforms.
“I am here to find solution. Me and my colleagues are thankful for your trust,” she said in Filipino.
Seven most senior justices of the high court were notably absent during the first flag raising ceremony.
Absent were Associate Justices Antonio Carpio, Teresita Leonardo De Castro, Presbitero Velasco, Arturo Brion, Diosdado Peralta and Lucas Bersamin. Associate Justice Martin Villarama, who is also more senior to Sereno, was also a no-show.
x x x."
