NP to file motion over Chief Justice ruling
Saturday, March 20, 2010
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SAGAY City -- The Nacionalista Party (NP) will be filing a motion for reconsideration on Monday over the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to allow President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to appoint the next Chief Justice.
NP standard bearer Manuel “Manny” Villar said they will explore all available legal remedies under the system to change the decision of the SC, though they respect the decision of the highest court.
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The SC voted 9-1 in favor of Arroyo to appoint the new Chief Justice when SC Chief Justice Reynato Puno retires on May 17.
President Arroyo will end her term on June 30.
Villar said they are saddened by the SC decision and that it was contrary to the Constitution.
Meanwhile, Liberal Party senatorial bet Neric Acosta is alarmed by the decision of the SC.
“This decision is a cynical, shameless charade played out by a government desperate to hold on to power. This appears like nothing short of a grand design to manipulate the elections in the government’s favor,” Acosta said adding Arroyo is laying the groundwork to prolong her stay as President.
“I am fearful of what is going to happen. It appears like Mrs. Arroyo wants to manipulate the power and independence of the judiciary.” In the event that Chief Justice Puno retires, a new chief justice may be appointed by the President outside the Judicial and Bar Council’s (JBC) qualified nominees. I am worried on how the Supreme Court came out with this decision. The said provision – Section 15, Article VII – intends to prohibit any sitting president from affecting the results of the elections.” Acosta explains that previously, during the time of former president Fidel Ramos, the Supreme Court ruled that the prohibition period also applies to appointments in the judiciary”, he said.
Acosta said it is now up to the JBC to remain autonomous and be able to make careful decisions. “While under the supervision of the Supreme Court, it should always act and decide independently”, he said.
Acosta is confident that the JBC will remain unaligned in its process of short listing the nominees for the Chief Justice position.
