In support of CJ Sereno

The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) upholds that godly character and integrity are essential traits for the leaders of our nation. The Holy Bible declares: “It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, for a throne is established on righteousness.” (Proverbs 16:12) Despite the lamentable impeachment complaints lodged against her, we have complete confidence that Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, who above all else is a true follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, unwaveringly demonstrates professional excellence and moral uprightness in performing all duties that are incumbent upon her.

PCEC endorsed her appointment as chief justice without any reservation back in 2012 because we believed she will defend with fairness and justice the rule of law and effectuate genuine reform in our country’s judicial system. We have no reason not to believe it now.

Since her appointment, Chief Justice Sereno has led within the bounds of her office, in calling for and working toward bringing about an independent judiciary, greater accountability of government officers, stronger protection of human rights, and tougher fight against the culture of impunity. We applaud her for taking principled stands through all these years, even at the expense of popularity to serve the cause of what is good, right, fair and just.

In this crucial time, wherein her impeachment endangers the foundations of our nation’s democratic institutions, PCEC calls on President Duterte to recognize Chief Justice Sereno as a valuable ally in his fight against all forms of corruption and injustice. We call on our lawmakers to see her as a staunch coprotector of the Constitution and a virtuous copartner in policymaking. We call on members of the judicial branch to stand firmly with her in advancing the rule of law. We call on all men and women of goodwill to pray for truth and justice to prevail in the impeachment proceedings, and with Chief Justice Sereno, to be vigilant in guarding peacefully our nation’s democracy and civil liberties.

BISHOP NOEL ALBA PANTOJA, national director, Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, Philippine Relief and Development Services, [email protected]