MANILA, Philippines — Newly-appointed Chief Justice Teresita De Castro’s arrival at the Supreme Court drew two different reactions: Applause from employees and protest from critics.
De Castro arrived at the Supreme Court compound in Padre Faura, Manila Tuesday morning to a group of employees waiting to congratulate her on her new post as the country's top judge.
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Newly appointed Chief Justice Teresita De Castro arrives at the SC. She was welcomed with applause from employees. Asked for a short message to the SC staff, she said she would first want to meet with SC en banc. @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/QFM3spsCW2
— Kristine Patag (@kristinepatag) August 28, 2018
They erupted in cheers and congratulations as De Castro arrived and was handed a bouquet of flowers.
Asked by members of the press for a short message to employees, De Castro replied that she had to meet with the en banc before anything else.
The en banc or full court session of the justices is scheduled at 10:00 a.m.
The court will also hold oral arguments on the consolidated cases challenging the country's withdrawal of membership from the International Criminal Court.
RELATED: How did African nations pull back from plans to quit ICC?
The scene on Tuesday was a far departure from flag ceremonies at the Supreme Court in recent months. Employees wore red during the height of the impeachment proceeding and quo warranto petition against former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, a move seen as support for the moves to oust her from office.
Outside the gates of the SC, a small pocket of protesters called for De Castro's removal by impeachment.
“Ang cheap, ang cheap ng justice niyo (Your justice is so, so cheap)!” they chanted.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said De Castro was the "best choice" for the high court's top post.
The Malacañang spokesman, however, insisted that De Castro's appointment as chief justice was not a reward for helping oust Sereno, whom President Rodrigo Duterte had declared an enemy.
Sereno's colelagues in May voted in favor of a petition voiding her appointment as chief justice in 2012.
De Castro also testified at the House of Representatives when it took up an impeachment complaint against Sereno, who is known for her critical stance on some of Duterte's pronouncements and policies.
De Castro is set to take her oath before President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday, August 31.