Sereno apologizes for 'inaccurate' convey of wellness leave

MANILA, Philippines (2nd update 5:30 p.m.) — Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has apologized for "inaccurate" convey of her previously scheduled wellness leave.

In a statement, Sereno said that she had to "qualify" her leave according to the Internal Rules of the Supreme Court.

"I had agreed to go on an indefinite leave, but I am also bound by the appropriate administrative rules," she added.

"It is unfortunate that my plan of making use of an already approved wellness leave in relation to an indefinite leave was inaccurately conveyed for which I apologize," Sereno added.

On Thursday morning, the SC en banc issued a statement citing that the 13 justices present on the full court session on February 27 reached a "consensus" that Sereno should take an indefinite leave.

READ: SC justices: We asked Sereno to take a leave

The magistrates also said they "[regret] the confusion that the announcement and media releases of the spokesperson of the chief justice have caused, which seriously damaged the integrity of the judiciary and the SC in particular."

In a separate press conference, lawyer Jojo Lacanilao also apologized to the SC.

"We were working on information available to us at the time we were engaged and asked questions by the press," Lacanilao said, adding that they were not privy into what transpired in Tuesday's en banc.

"There was no malice on anyone of us to confuse, mislead or obfuscate what were fast developing events in the Supreme Court," Lacanilao added.

'I will not resign'

Sereno also reiterated that resignation is far from her mind. She clarified that: "This indefinite leave is not a resignation."

She said that she will use the time off the court to prepare for the looming impeachment trial at the Senate. 

Her spokespersons earlier said that Sereno will face the accusations against her at the Senate, and that she is looking forward to cross-examine the witnesses against her. 

The House of Representatives justice panel will put into vote next week whether Larry Gadon's complaint has probable cause to oust Sereno.

Sereno added that she will also work on the cases in her docket. She sits as the chair of the First Division of the SC.

While Sereno is on leave, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio will serve as Acting Chief Justice.