Offer to join opposition slate? No talk, I’m just listening — Sereno

Ousted Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Monday said there has been no formal invitation for her to join the opposition slate in the upcoming midterm polls, only offering that she was "listening" to issues of injustice brought before her.

"I'm listening to everyone right now, and so many people are bringing issues of justice or injustice to me and I'm listening very carefully," Sereno told reporters in an ambush interview when asked if she is not closing her doors on a Senate run.

Pressed on whether or not there has been an offer from the opposition slate, she said: "No offer, no talk. Right now, I am just listening."

Meanwhile, Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV hinted at a possible slate slot for the ousted top judge.

"On the part of the opposition slate, naghahanap kami ng mga taong independent, may kakayahang magsalita, maninidigan, tumutol kung kinakailangan at magsulong ng mga bagay na mahalaga sa pamilyang Pilipino," Aquino told reporters after a forum he keynoted with Sereno at the University of the Philippines Integrated School in Quezon City.

Aquino was also earlier quoted as saying that he seemed open to having Sereno and retiring Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales on the opposition slate.

Sereno said during the event's open forum that she was putting off thinking about political ambitions, but added that "we have a lot of work to do for this country."

When it was his turn to speak, Aquino quipped: "Is that a yes, Chief?"

A spokesperson for Sereno earlier said that seeking an elective post was an "option" for Sereno "as it is for everyone."

The ousted chief magistrate has appealed an earlier decision by the Supreme Court expelling her from the Office of the Chief Justice on account of an alleged lack of integrity.

A decision on her motion for reconsideration against her landmark ouster may be reached by the high tribunal this month, according to Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio. — RSJ, GMA News