How TRO exposed Chief Justice

Some quarters seem to be losing sight of the real issue in the Corona impeachment case. They imply that the case is a dispute between President Aquino and Chief Justice Renato Corona/Judiciary/Constitution (take your pick). But most Filipinos, as borne out by surveys, correctly see it as part of a historic and continuing struggle to cleanse government institutions and rid the long-suffering citizens of the Philippines of the heavy burden of egregious, in-your-face corruption, plunder and injustice found in almost all government organizations. Although Rep. Jesus Remulla did not sign the articles of impeachment, he said: “I think that something good will come out of this. Some lawyers do not practice their profession anymore because too many cases are decided outside their merits; I think the impeachment proceedings will result in more fair and honest (court) decisions.”

Filipinos have cheered the successes attained this far by the Aquino administration in the fight for clean government—e.g., the resignation of the previous ombudsman, the filing of charges against high-ranking officers of the Armed Forces for large-scale corruption; those accused of the murder of Navy Ensign Philip Pestaño; retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan for human rights violation; and police officials involved in the helicopter scam.

Neither is the impeachment case a mere contest to determine which of the two contending teams of lawyers is more adept in courtroom procedures. Nor is it an attempt to destroy and dominate the Judiciary.

Solita Monsod wrote: “Carpio sought and obtained agreement at the Nov. 22 en banc meeting that the Nov. 18 resolution be clarified (i.e., to reflect non-compliance), with Velasco assigned to draft the Nov. 22 clarificatory resolution. To his horror (Monsod’s interpretation), the resulting clarification, which he found out was the Chief Justice’s version ‘states the opposite of what was approved by the En Banc in its meeting of 15 November 2011, and what was agreed in the En Banc meeting of 22 November 2011.’” (Inquirer, 12/24/11)

Neal Cruz wrote: “I read the dissenting opinions of Associate Justices Antonio Carpio and Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno to the Nov. 29, 2011 resolution of the Court…. In spite of the clear vote of the Supreme Court En Banc, the Chief Justice made his own handwritten corrections on the decisions made on the Nov. 18 deliberations wherein he falsely made it appear that Arroyo ‘substantially complied with the conditions for the issuance of the TRO and that the TRO was in full force and effect.’” (Inquirer, 1/4/12)

If only for the above outrageously disgusting revelations, how can Corona be allowed to remain as Chief Justice? The Filipino people expect all the honorable members of the Senate not to fail them in their quest for clean government institutions.

—BENJAMIN B. AGUNOD,

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