Senate run an 'option' for Sereno - spokesperson

MANILA - Running for senator in the 2019 elections is "an option" for ousted chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, her lawyer said Wednesday, as the Supreme Court tackled an appeal seeking to overturn its decision to sack her.

Sereno's colleagues, voting 8-6, removed her from the high court in May, favoring a petition by the chief government lawyer who argued that she was not qualified for her position for failing to declare her wealth in full.

Sereno, who denied the accusation, has been giving speeches and media interviews since her expulsion, fanning speculation that she may run for senator.

"It certainly is always an option for anyone to aspire for public office, but with the chief justice, we don't know yet her decision as to the future," Sereno's lawyer Josalee Deinla told ANC.

"She said this would require serious reflection so she's still thinking about it."

Before the SC decision, Sereno told a women's forum at Adamson University that she is not interested in seeking a Senate seat.

• Sereno says not interested in running for Senator

Sereno will announce her plans after the Supreme Court resolves the appeal to overturn her expulsion.

Watch more in iWantv or TFC.tv

Sereno can return as chief justice if 2 of her colleagues vote for her motion for reconsideration.

The ousted magistrate's camp is optimistic that her expulsion will be reversed considering that the Supreme Court ordered Solicitor General Jose Calida to comment on Sereno's appeal, said Deinla.

• SC orders SolGen to comment on Sereno's ouster appeal

"This gives us the impression that the court needs time to re-examine the majority decision," she said.

Legal experts, including other Supreme Court judges, have argued that Sereno's sacking is a violation of the Constitution, which says a justice can only be removed through impeachment in Congress.

• Leonen: Sereno’s ouster via quo warranto ‘legal abomination’

• 'Without honor': In dissent, Caguioa hits majority ruling to oust Sereno

The ruling erodes the independence of the judiciary because it empowers the Solicitor General to mount quo warranto suits against officials that have fallen out of the government's favor, said Deinla.