Maria Lourdes Sereno

De facto Chief Justice of the Philippines from 2012 to 2018

Maria Lourdes Aranal Sereno (born Maria Lourdes Punzalan Aranal; July 2, 1960) is a Filipino lawyer and judge. She was the de facto Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines from 2012 until her removal from office on May 11, 2018.

Maria Lourdes Sereno
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines[a]
De facto
In office
August 25, 2012 – May 11, 2018
Appointed byBenigno Aquino III
Preceded byRenato Corona
Succeeded byAntonio Carpio (Acting)
169th Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
In office
August 13, 2010 – August 25, 2012
Appointed byBenigno Aquino III
Preceded byRenato Corona
Succeeded byMarvic Leonen
Personal details
Born
Maria Lourdes Punzalan Aranal

(1960-07-02) July 2, 1960 (age 64)
Manila, Philippines
EducationAteneo de Manila University (BA)
University of the Philippines, Diliman (LLB)
University of Michigan (LLM)

Sereno was removed from office by way of quo warranto by Supreme Court in an 8–6 decision, removing her appointment as Chief Justice in 2012 null and void. Her removal was controversial because it was carried out by the Supreme Court, which some said was not in accordance with the constitution.[1]

  1. Maria Lourdes Sereno was removed on May 11, 2018 via quo warranto by a special en banc session which also ruled that the Chief Justice post vacant; the petition alleged Sereno's appointment was void ab initio due to her failure in complying with the Judicial and Bar Council requirements. Hence, her tenure is now considered de facto. However, the decision is yet not final as Sereno plans to file a Motion for Reconsideration.

References

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  1. "Senators react on Sereno ouster; petitioners hail "historic victory"". UNTV News and Rescue. Archived from the original on May 12, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2018.