Chief Justice Sereno Doing Everything To Free De Lima?

According to some Supreme Court Sources, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno is doing everything to release Senator Leila De Lima from jail.

The sources told Manila Times that Sereno has been pushing for the release. Sereno allegedly is convincing other justices to clear De Lima, supposedly offering them help in case any impeachment case or complaint against the chief justice is elevated to the Senate.

The Supreme court comprises of 15 justices that will vote whether or not there is probable cause to the charging of De Lima for drug-related cases. As of now, De Lima has 6 votes in favor of her.

On the other hand, one of the sources claimed that a 40-page draft ponencia or ruling made by Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr. is being passed around the magistrates. This draft recommends that De Lima's petition to junk her cases should be dismissed for lack of merit.

However, along with the draft by Velasco, there are other drafts circulating among the Supreme court justices. These are written by Associate Justices Antonio Carpio, Marvic Leonen, Estela Perlas-Bernabe, Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Francis Jardeleza and Diosdado Peralta. These drafts are opposing Velasco's draft to junk De Lima's charges.

As of this writing, De Lima already has 6 votes in favor of her release. What is terrifying is that depending on Sereno's efforts, this number can jump up to 7 or 8, making De Lima free.

Sereno reportedly already talked to at least two magistrates to get their votes in favor of De Lima.

If you remember, Sereno has already been accused of betraying public trust for several offenses. Some of these are misdeclaration in her statement of assets and liabilities and her purchase of an expensive, bulletproof sport utility vehicle using taxpayers’ money.

What are your thoughts? We, we wish Sereno does not win this time, we don't want to see De Lima out of jail.

Source: Manila Times