What it needs is a reformist chief justice who will work toward a judiciary with a level of probity and integrity of the highest order…beyond suspicion,” Valdes told The Manila Times. “It (choosing the next chief justice) is key to maintenance of integrity, fairness, and independence of the Supreme Court before the people. Among Duterte’s appointees to the high tribunal were Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Andres Reyes Jr. and Sandiganbayan Senior Justice Samuel Martires. Sereno was a junior justice when she was appointed chief justice by President Benigno Aquino 3rd in 2012, bypassing several senior justices—including Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo de Castro—and taking away their chances for promotion with her expected 18-year tenure up to 2030. Sereno was the second chief justice to be removed from office after Renato Corona was ousted in 2012 through impeachment.

Source: Manila Times May 12, 2018 16:24 UTC