‘Reconsider’ naming of Corona to SC
By William B. Depasupil Reporter
THE Supreme Court (SC) remained on a “watch and see” stance over a pre-election threat made by Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd that if he was chosen president in Monday’s automated polls, he would not recognize the new High Court chief justice appointed by President Gloria Arroyo, whom he probably would replace.
It may have to wait some more because Aquino, the Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer and current leader in the latest vote count of the Commission on Elections, sounded less combative on Wednesday.
He simply described as “inappropriate” President Arroyo’s appointment of Supreme Court Associate Justice Renato Corona as successor to Chief Justice Reynato Puno, who retires on May 17.
“Is it too much to ask President Arroyo to not add another problem for the next administration to inherit? Her appointment of a chief justice-in-waiting is at the very least inappropriate,” Aquino said.
“We call upon her to recognize the new government’s right to appoint the next chief justice,” he added.
Aquino said that the President should have instead focused her attention on ensuring a smooth transition of government.
“There is still time for Mrs. Arroyo to reconsider her decision. We hope that she will choose not to add another burden on top of everything else that she will be leaving behind. She should instead concentrate on ensuring a smooth transition,” he added.
According to Aquino, he would resolve the successor issue “with the utmost consideration for the provisions of the Constitution and the interest of the Filipino people” if he emerged the eventual winner in the May 10 race for president.
During the campaign period, he said that he would not recognize the chief justice who would be appointed by Mrs. Arroyo.
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