Sereno on Recto Bank incident: Choosing to believe foreign gov't over own countrymen a ‘betrayal of our nation’



Former Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno / photo from Panay News



Ousted Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno cannot also help but comment on the ramming incident in the West Philippine Sea between Filipino and Chinese vessels.

For Sereno, the government chose to believe the foreign country than its own, a form of “betrayal” she said.



Sereno also questioned the role of the government leaders, because instead of protecting the rights of its people, it has betrayed them.

“It is betrayal of our nation to give moral and political preference to the pronouncements of a foreign government or its people, over that of our kababayans. Ano pa ang halaga ng pamahalaan kung mismo ang mga kumakatawan nito ang maglalaglag ng mga interes ng mamamayan?” she said

“when the life or dignity of one of our own is under threat, we come to his defense.” She added

“Our identity, our history and our Constitution demand active and overt defense, not discombobulating statements from government,” the former chief justice said

“Our fishermen of Mindoro and Zambales deserve protection in our own territory, under our own laws. Sinserong pagtanggol sa kanilang pagkatao ang kailangang marinig,” Sereno added.



The incident happened on June 9 at the Recto Bank when Chinese fishermen allegedly left the Filipino fisher folks afloat in the ocean after being rammed.

The fishermen were reportedly rescued by a Vietnamese vessel, which was also nearby.

Sereno insisted to fight for the lives and dignity of the people, instead of acting like a coward.

“Hinihingi ng taumbayan, lalo na ng kabataan ang katarungan para sa lahing Pilipino. Walang gusto ng giyera, ngunit wala ring gusto ng kaduwagan. Buhay at dignidad ng Pilipino, ipaglaban,” the ousted chief justice said


“Masusi nating pag-usapan ang isyung ito sa ating paaralan, grupo at komunidad. Lumahok tayo sa mga forum at iba pang mga inisyatiba. Makiisa sa pagtatanggol ng Pilipino at West Philippine Sea,” she added


Source: Philstar






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