More on the controversial move by outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to appoint Renato Corona as the new Supreme Court Chief Justice, it is now seen as a move for Arroyo to retain some amount of influence and to protect herself from probes (over the alleged rigging of the 2004 elections and suspect government contracts) when she steps down from her government seat on June 30. These investigations were promised by Aquino Tuesday, saying he would ensure this happens by using the "enormous powers" of office.
Also, the Philippine Bar Association (PBA) warned Corona that he can be sanctioned for constitutional violation should he accept Arroyo's appointment as chief justice. PBA president and former Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo says:
"He should reject also because he’s tainted already. He follows what the incumbent President wants. There’s great doubt on his independence and [that he is] out to protect [the] President from suits."
Simply put, there is the issue of mistrust given the new administration's vows to lay justice to the controversies surrounding the outgoing President, the last-minute appointment made by Arroyo, and Corona's very close association with her. In addition, there is the issue of constitutional violation exempting the position of chief justice (which was allowed by SC decisions) from the ban on appointments by an incumbent president during an election period.
Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, a former Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president, reacted to the appointment as well, challenging Corona to defend the judiciary's integrity instead of showing loyalty to Arroyo, saying:
"I hope the incoming the chief justice will maintain the independence of the Supreme Court and not be influenced by 'utang na loob' to the President."
Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) chairman Elmer Labog, furthered opposition to the appointment in a statement:
"By appointing the justice who is most loyal to her to head the Supreme Court, Arroyo is passing a thorny crown to Sen. Aquino. She is leaving yet another ugly legacy to the next administration and to the Filipino people."
Labog pointed out that, as the high court's records indicated, Corona (who served as Arroyo's chief of staff during her term as Vice-President) usually voted in favor of the administration. He adds:
"Clearly, Arroyo’s appointment of Corona raises questions as to how a 'smooth transition' to the next administration will happen. It will test Aquino’s resolve to undo Arroyo’s last-minute deals and appointments and to prosecute Arroyo."
"A chief justice Corona would simply junk all cases against Arroyo to exonerate his master from prosecution. As for Sen. Aquino, his task is to not let that happen. He should make decisive moves against the appointment as soon as possible."
Future moves to prosecute the outgoing President also includes seizing control of the House of Representatives from Arroyo's allies; Aquino's Liberal Party's (LP) spokesman Congressman Lorenzo Tanada said that the LP will only have about 50 seats in the new House but will need at least 150 seats to control it.
LP is currently trying to secure power by getting in touch with some of Arroyo's allies, expecting them to defect now that Arroyo is about to end her term as President.
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