Eyeing elective post an ‘option’ for Sereno — spokesperson

A spokesperson for ousted Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Wednesday said aspiring for an elective post is an "option" for the erstwhile top judge.

Amid questions on whether or not a Senate run was forthcoming, spokesperson Josa Deinla said Sereno is still deciding her next step if she loses her seat in the high tribunal for good.

"...Aspiring for a public office is an option for her as it is for everyone," Deinla said in a text message, after earlier pronouncements from their team that Sereno then had no senatorial ambitions.

She later explained the option was for an elective position.

"She's still in the process of deciding what to do in the event that her motion for reconsideration is  denied as her focus remains to be trained on the case and the SC's threat of disciplining her," Deinla said.

Apart from expelling her from the Office of the Chief Justice on the basis of an alleged lack of eligibility, Sereno's colleagues in the high tribunal also ordered her to explain why she should not be sanctioned for supposedly "casting aspersions and ill motives" against them.

Sereno's lawyers have asked for a 15-day extension on their deadline to answer the order, and Deinla believes their plea was granted as there has been no announcement to the contrary.

Sereno, a vocal critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, has appealed the SC's landmark decision, which she called "null and void" since it purportedly violated her right to due process given, among others, the refusal of six SC justices to inhibit from the case due to "bias" and "animosity."

She has consistently argued that she could only be removed from office through impeachment and conviction at the legislature. — Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/RSJ, GMA News