Letran Rector and President Fr. Clarence Marquez O.P. and select student organizations decry the verdict of the Supreme Court to oust Chief Justice Sereno through a quo warranto petition.
Letran Rector and President Fr. Clarence Victor Marquez, O.P. released an open letter, today, May 15, to condemn the ruling of the Supreme Court justices to grant the quo warranto petition ousting Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno last Friday.
Fr. Marquez, in his open letter, strongly opposed the decision. At the same time, he lauded the Letran students for exercising their right to freedom of speech as select recognized student organizations (RSOs) have instantly released their adamant opposition to the SC decision.
“Hindi na ito paghuhusga tungkol sa isang tao. Ito ay paghuhusga sa lahat ng mga kasapi ng Pinakamataas na Hukuman. Ito ay paghuhusga sa ating pamunuang pampulitika. Ito ay paghuhusga sa buong bayan.”
The statement was issued after some have been asking what the Colegio’s position is on the issue.
He also clearly outlined the stand of Letran in recent social issues of the country. Letran stands to fight for justice, uphold the Constitution, respect human rights, subscribe to the proper rule of law, attain peace, respect others despite conflict, defend our democracy, let the truth prevail, and fight for what is right.
RSOs such as the Letran Politicvs, Letran Legal Management Society, the Letran Student Council, and The LANCE have also released their own statements regarding the verdict of the Supreme Court. Fr. Marquez mentioned that he respects the views and stance of the students.
They were united in condemning the decision and encouraging their fellow students to strongly “fight for the rule of law” and “defend the democracy.”
Fr. Marquez mentioned that Letran, as their Alma Mater, listens to what their students believe and fight for, that Letran’s statement reflects what the students decry.
“Kayo, mga giliw na mag-aaral ng Letran, ay nanguna sa paggamit ng inyong karapatang maging malaya at magpahayag ng buong laya. Kayo ay nagsasalita at naninindigan. Pinaglalaban ang tama; kinakalaban ang mali. KAYO NGA AY ANG AMING PAHAYAG!”
Fr. Marquez ended his statement by reiterating that he fully supports Chief Justice Sereno.
"Kaisa kami sa lahat ng nagpapahayag ng suporta kay Punong Mahestrado Sereno, dinggin ang aming tinig; dito kami tumitindig.” (with reports from Chara Lomiteng)
Read the full open letter of Fr. Marquez here.