Associate Justice Marvic Leonen sprung a surprise on Chief Justice Sereno by leaving her when she needed him the most: the time when other magistrates of the Supreme Court demanded her to take an indefinite leave amid the impeachment saga.

Based on sources within the Supreme Court, it was Leonen who asked Sereno to take a leave during the en banc session on February 27.

A Facebook post by The Silent Majority group founder Jozy Acosta-Nisperos quoted a source as saying that Leonen acted as Sereno’s “tormentor” during the tense confrontation.

“I expected him not to show his hand but he did. Nagwawala siya kanina against CJ. He was her tormentor. He told her you are a failed CJ among others,” the source said.

The 55-year-old justice was widely perceived to be Sereno’s ally since they were both appointed by former President Benigno Aquino III and often voted similarly on controversial issues.

Leonen reportedly wanted Sereno to take a leave so they can vote on her removal but she refused.

When Associate Justice Samuel Martires again proposed that Sereno take a leave, Leonen supported him.

Perhaps feeling trapped in the company of justices wanting her head, Sereno asked to talk to Associate Justices Antonio Carpio and Presbitero Velasco, the two most senior members of the Supreme Court. After their meeting, the Chief Justice announced that she will go on leave.

Leonen, however, apparently felt that Sereno’s action was still not enough.

According to Acosta-Nisperos’ post, it was also Leonen who “made the rounds asking the justices to sign their press statement” stating that Sereno should take an indefinite leave.

Thirteen out of 15 members of the Supreme Court signed the statement. Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa was unable to take part in the deliberations as he was on leave.