It was undoubtedly absurd for President Aquino to reprimand the Supreme Court for doing what it was obliged to do.
In a speech during the 30th Makati Business Club anniversary celebration, the President said, “[the Supreme Court] made the job of the executive branch untenable.” (Inquirer, 12/3/11)
Even as President, he is not in a position to say that with authority.
In any form of government—be it presidential or parliamentary—the Judiciary enjoys a high degree of autonomy from the executive and legislative branches. This is to ensure that the courts remain independent and impartial at all times.
The President cannot just instantly implement his own agenda through any court. He must know that the Judiciary always has the absolute power to nullify or declare unconstitutional any legislation or rule issued either by him, Congress or any competent person, of course, on sufficient grounds.
Instead, the President should lead in promoting the justices’ competence in resolving matters, especially those involving the national interest. How can we then further justify the high court’s existence if even the country’s chief executive does not trust it?
The Judiciary, as a public service-oriented institution, is and will always will be accountable to the entire Filipino community, as the justices will be to their conscience.
The President should be forgiven. After all, he is not a lawyer.
—PRINCE EDUARD R. RAGASA,
BA Political Science,
Freshmen Hall 2 (Balay Kanlaon),
University of the Philippines Visayas,
Miagao, Iloilo