By Genalyn Kabiling
Former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has become a "lost cause" and has resorted to gimmickry following her ouster from the Supreme Court, President Duterte said Thursday.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
The President said he does not believe and respect Sereno, questioning if she had ever made any significant contribution to improve the country.
"Sereno is a lost cause. She had it coming. She asked for it. Now that she's out, she's full of adjectives and gimmickry," Duterte said during the inauguration of the Mactan Cebu International Airport.
"I don't believe her and I don't respect her also. Puro gimik ," he added.
Duterte also claimed that Sereno has monopolized “oppression” and ran the Supreme Court like she owned it.
“You oust people who are in state of playing gimmicks with government. Ang oppression sinosolo niya. Akala niya private-owned ang Supreme Court, sa kanya,” he added.
Duterte also hit back at Sereno and other critics, saying they are engaged in political gimmickry while his government is focused on work.
"Siya yung gumigimik, kami nagtatrabaho. Pag landing niya dito sa airport, sabihin mo ito gimik ni Duterte at Tugade " he said.
Duterte also mocked his bashers for doing nothing but criticize his government. He asked what significant contribution to government they have done all these years.
"What have they contributed to the betterment of the country except indulging in politics? Give me one who came up with splendid public service except playing of words," he said.
Sereno, in a recent television interview, belittled the President’s anti-corruption drive, saying his dismissal of corrupt officials was a form of publicity. Sereno, who was ousted by the Supreme Court via a quo warranto petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General, said the officials accused of corruption should face charges in court.
Duterte, however, defended his decision to reappoint some appointees.
"If you're thinking of recycling steno, you must be joking. Sabi niya recycle, sino? Ako I place people to their appropriate capacity," he said. "It does not mean i transfer you from one another, it might be a revamp, it does not mean may kasalanan," he added.