Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on Friday appointed the first female chief justice of the Supreme Court, dpa reported. Maria Lourdes Sereno, 52, an associate justice of the high tribunal, replaces Renato Corona, who was ousted from office by the Senate in May after a five-month impeachment trial. Corona was convicted of failing to declare 2.4 million dollars in bank accounts. "The president is confident that Chief Justice Sereno will lead the judiciary in undertaking much-needed reforms," presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said. "We believe the judicial branch of government has a historic opportunity to restore our people's confidence in the judicial system," he said. Roan Libarios, president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, welcomed Sereno's appointment and hailed the justice for her independence, integrity and competence. "We hope she can live up to the demands and expectations of the people," he said. -- SPA
