Sereno to go on leave starting March 1

MANILA, Philippines — Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno will be taking a "wellness leave" starting Thursday, one of her spokespersons confirmed.

Lawyer Jojo Lacanilao, one of Sereno's spokespersons, said that the chief justice would go on leave from March 1 to 15. 

This is in preparation for when the impeachment proceeding against her reaches the Senate, which will serve as the impeachment court, Lacanilao said.

This development comes during the Supreme Court’s en banc session that happens every Tuesday. 

Several media reports cited that Sereno's leave came after a "confrontation" with her colleagues at the high court. It was also said that Sereno filed an "indefinite leave" in contrary to her camp's statement.

Lacanilao, however, said that it was the chief justice's "personal decision" to file a "wellness leave." 

In a separate text message to reporters, lawyer Josa Deinla, also a spokesperson of Sereno, said that the leave was "originally scheduled on March 15 to 23," adding that Sereno is merely "advancing" her absence from the court.

He added that Sereno would not resign from her position.

The SC Public Information Office has yet to make a statement on the matter.

Sereno's announcement coincides with the last day of her impeachment proceeding at the House of Representatives.

Rep. Reynaldo Umali (Oriental Mindoro), chairperson of the justice committee, earlier said that the panel would vote next week whether the complaint by lawyer Larry Gadon has probable cause to oust Sereno.