Senator Noynoy Aquino today called on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to reconsider her appointment of a new Supreme Court Justice and to recognize the new (incoming) government's right to decide on such a matter. According to Malacanang, she has named Supreme Court Associate Justice Renato Corona to replace Chief Justice Reynato Puno who will be retiring on May 17.
On one hand, Raul Victorino, chief presidential legal counsel, said at a Malacanang news briefing:
"Considering that he has been nominated by the JBC, he happens to be the most senior. And nobody I think can question this announcement and his eventual appointment."
However, Aquino does not seem to agree with this. He asks:
"Is it too much to ask President Arroyo to not add another problem for the next administration to inherit?"
He further asks the current President to focus her attention on ensuring a smooth transition of duties to the new government. Latest tallies from the 2010 Presidential elections indicate that he is next in line for the presidency.
"Her appointment of a Chief Justice in waiting is at the very least inappropriate. Chief Justice [Reynato] Puno’s term has not ended. There is no vacancy to be filled," he adds.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. noted on Wednesday an earlier Aquino statement about not honoring any midnight appointments made by Arroyo before June 30, the end of her term as President.
Pimentel, Senator Francis Pangilinan, and former Senate President Franklin Drilon all agreed with Aquino's statement that this decision should have been left to the incoming government.
Pangilinan said:
"Ms. Arroyo should have, out of delicadeza, allowed the next President to make the appointment. Sadly, it appears there is no such thing as a sense of propriety when it comes to her political survival."Sources:
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