Is the Chief Justice ‘lost’ in her own Court?

“P-Noy takes swipe at SC” (Front Page, 10/3/15). President Aquino made known his displeasure with the Supreme Court for delaying infrastructure projects of the government, even quoting the Constitution to drive home his point which mandates that the high court resolve “all cases or matters” within 24 months or two years…”

Aquino-appointee Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno was quoted as saying: “I didn’t know there was an issue on infrastructure…. I will have to look into these matters.” What was she saying? That she does not know what’s going on in her Court? That she does not know that cases there are actually gathering dust and cobwebs? That her office is not monitoring the performance (or lack thereof) of the justices under her? What is she “chief justice” for?

Ordinary citizens have been endlessly complaining about the intolerable delays in their cases, all to no avail. The general perception is, the Supreme Court merely sits on cases where no public or media interest is involved. Now that no less than the President has called attention to such delays, perhaps the slothful justices of the Supreme Court will finally shape up—or ship out (resign!).

—MARIA MARGARITA AYTONA, [email protected]