Sereno spox to Roque: Explain why fired ‘corrupt’ officials don’t face courts

Instead of hurling "personal attacks" at ousted Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. should explain why "corrupt" government officials fired by the president don't get charged in court, a spokesperson for the magistrate said.

Lawyer Jojo Lacanilao on Tuesday was sought for comment on Roque's statement that Sereno needs "psychosocial attention" for saying that President Rodrigo Duterte's firing of government officials may merely be for show sans official charges.

"Instead of hurling personal attacks against CJ Sereno, Secretary Roque should just enlighten the public better why most if not all of government officials fired by the President for alleged corruption don't end up getting charged in court," Lacanilao said in a text message to reporters.

"In some cases these fired officials are even recycled to other government positions," he added.

At a briefing in Seoul, South Korea, where Duterte is on an official visit, Roque advised Sereno, emerging as a vocal Duterte critic, to "take it easy" and "be more circumspect."

"Alam mo tingin ko kinakailangan ng psychosocial assistance itong chief justice na ito. Paano naman magiging for show 'yun nawawalan ng trabaho ang mga tao," Roque told reporters.

"I understand the amount of pressure that she's subjected to. Take it easy, ma'am. Mahaba pa po itong laban na ito, but meanwhile let's be more circumspect," he added.

He also said it was the Office of the Ombudsman which has primary jurisdiction to probe and prosecute officials suspected to have been involved in graft and corruption.

In a Monday night interview, Sereno said officials sacked over allegations of corruption ought to face the court.

Among government officials fired by Duterte are Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor chairman Terry Ridon, Dangerous Drugs Board Chair Dionisio Santiago, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Mike Sueno, Maritime Industry Authority Administrator Marcial Amaro III, and Commission on Higher Education chair Patricia Licuanan.

"Without better explanation by the Palace, the public can rightfully surmise that these firings are no more than publicity stunts by the President," Lacanilao said.

Duterte's anti-corruption drive is marked by his stance that even a "whiff of corruption" would be sufficient basis for him to fire a government official. — BM, GMA News