High Court allows Arroyo to appoint next chief justice (11:41 a.m.)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
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MANILA – The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo can appoint the successor of retiring Chief Justice Reynato Puno despite Constitutional ban on midnight appointments.
The High Court en banc ruled that President Arroyo can appoint any vacant positions in the judiciary to avoid vacuum even until her term ends in June 30.
Puno is set to retire on May 17 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Nine magistrates favored the ruling, one dissented, two voted premature while three justices inhibited.
Among those who inhibited were Chief Justice Reynato Puno, Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Justice Renato Corona.
In the ruling, the justices also ordered the Judicial Bar and Council (JBC) to submit to the President its shortlist of possible successors for Puno’s post.
Reacting to the ruling, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Gary Olivar said they welcome the ruling of the SC but they are expecting for a motion for reconsideration from the opposition camp.
Olivar said they will comply on the final ruling of the SC. With the ruling, the palace official said that they are expecting the JBC to submit its list of nominees to the President anytime soon. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)
