By Genalyn Kabiling
Malacañang has chosen to ignore the call of former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno for President Duterte to resign over alleged involvement in her removal from office.
Maria Lourdes Sereno going out from her office at Supreme Court on Friday, May 11, 2018, after the high tribunal voted 8-6 to oust her from her post. (ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN)
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the Palace would no longer comment on the statement of Sereno especially now that she is a private citizen.
"Ayaw ko na pong magkomento diyan at tingin ko po ang Presidente ayaw na ring magkomento dahil kahapon tinanong din naman siya sa ambush interview ninyo tungkol kay Chief Justice Sereno, hindi naman po siya nagkomento ," Roque said in a radio interview.
"Hayaan lang po natin siya at hayaan na natin siyang manahimik bilang isang pribadong indibidwal ," he added.
Sereno has reportedly challenged Duterte to resign already after the President offered to step down if proven he was behind her removal from office.
The former Chief Justice claimed that Dutete branded her an enemy after she questioned Solicitor General Jose Calida's quo warranto petition to unseat her. She said Duterte also directed his congressional allies to fast track the impeachment moves against her.
Last Wednesday, the President denied involvement in Sereno's ouster, saying he would resign if proven he was behind it.
“If there’s one congresswoman or congressman or a single justice who will say I talked to them, I can guarantee you I will resign,” Duterte said in a media interview in Malacañang.