The flag ceremony of newly appointed Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno was ignored by seven associate justices of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, sending a strong message about the lady’s appointment as the country’s highest magistrate.

Most of the 14 associate justices were not present during Sereno’s speech during the flag ceremony on Monday.

The seven justices absent were Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and Associate Justices Lucas Bersamin, Teresita Leonardo De Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Presbitero Velasco Jr., and Martin Villarama.

The justices who were not present are reported to question Sereno’s capability as the chief justice. They are also in doubt of Sereno’s leadership skills and knowledge about the country’s laws.

Sereno was also reported to have been receiving cold treatment from other justices who deemed her unfit to handle the chief justice position.