The accusations and testimonies against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on alleged protracted processes and delays in the release of death benefits are mere peanuts, good for a drinking spree but not for a serious charge of an impeachable offense.

As shown by the testimonies and deliberations before the House Committee on Justice, the charge against the Chief Justice for allegedly delaying the release of death benefits to various claimants is both unwarranted and does not constitute an impeachable offense.

The release of death benefits to survivors of deceased justices and judges is an en banc decision of the Supreme Court as recommended by collegial bodies like the Special Committee on Civil Service and Retirement Benefits and two (2) Technical Working Groups (TWGs), all of which were created pursuant to the internal rules of the High Court, as confirmed by Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez.

Verily, the processing and release of death benefits do not depend on the sole discretion and prerogative of the Chief Justice who should not be faulted for alleged “delays” of collegial bodies.

Marquez appeared ambivalent and evasive in his testimony even as most of the time he disclaimed knowledge of the workings of the Special Committee and TWGs, some members of which belong to the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) which he heads.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN