SC chief: We’re ready for a Duterte presidency

Sereno 

Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno explained on Sunday, June 12, that the Supreme Court’s silence on the controversial statements of incoming President Rodrigo Duterte involving legal issues should not be misconstrued as a sign of cowardice.
Speaking at the Independence Day commemoration rites in Quezon City, Sereno asked for patience and to wait for the proper time when such controversial issues are raised to the Supreme Court to intervene, such as the time when Duterte’s public pronouncement in favor of the restoration of the death penalty against heinous crimes, particularly those involving the illegal drugs trade.
“We appeal for understanding on silence of judges, especially of the chief justice,” Sereno said in Filipino.  “Let’s be fair; otherwise, judgment will come even before these issues reach the Court.”
She told her audience that the judiciary is completely ready for a Duterte presidency.
But at this point, she said that the legal issues on the death penalty are not yet ripe for the Supreme Court to intervene.
Restoring the death penalty requires legislation by Congress.